Spencer Cancer Center's New Genetics Program Helps Patients Navigate Treatment

OPELIKA, Ala.—Armed with medical histories, lab results and pedigrees, Morgan Luevano, a genetic counselor at the Spencer Cancer Center, is helping patients identify inherent risks and navigate their cancer journey.

As a genetic counselor, a role new to the Spencer Cancer Center, Luevano works with patients eligible for genetic testing to examine their medical history so they may select a course of action that best fits their treatment.

“The purpose of genetic counseling is to record your personal and family history of cancer, discuss cancer genetics and hereditary cancer syndromes to inform you of what genetics testing could mean for you and your family, as well as the benefits, risks and limitations of testing,” Luevano said. “My goal is to empower patients to make informed decisions regarding genetic testing.”

While most cancers are not hereditary, patients who work with a genetic counselor gain insight into the hereditary risks associated with their condition that they can incorporate into their decision-making regarding treatment.

An example Luevano gives is that a patient who finds that she has hereditary breast cancer through genetic testing may decide to pursue a bilateral mastectomy, whereas a woman who knows she has non-hereditary breast cancer may instead choose a lumpectomy.

The addition of a genetics program to the Spencer Cancer Center eliminates the need for patients to travel away from home to access genetic counseling. Patients at the Spencer Cancer Center also have access to resources such as survivor and patient support groups, breast health navigation consulting, assistance from social workers and an Oncology Wellness Program that helps patients stay active and live healthier lives.

“Adding genetic counseling services at the Spencer Cancer Center is aligned with East Alabama Health’s goal of providing patients comprehensive care where they are, meaning patients don’t have to travel out of town to receive excellent, high-quality care,” Luevano said. “I’m excited to be the local genetic counselor for our patients at the Spencer Cancer Center.”

Luevano works directly with the Spencer Cancer Center’s oncologists, nurses and support staff to identity patients eligible for genetic testing and counseling.

“We share the common goal of providing each patient with all the support we can during their cancer journey,” she said. ­­­“One of my goals is to increase the number of patients who are offered genetic counseling and testing by appropriately identifying the individuals who meet criteria for genetic testing.”

Navigating cancer can be difficult for many patients. For Luevano, the opportunity to guide and support patients through a challenging period of their life is what makes the job so rewarding.

“The most rewarding part of my job is that I get to guide patients in making the best decision for them and their family,” Luevano said. “I love being a resource for patients to ask questions, so they feel comfortable pursuing testing, and if they decline testing, to support and validate this decision.”

A native of West Columbia, South Carolina, Luevano discovered a love for genetics while in high school. After earning her undergraduate degree in genetics from Clemson University, she found herself drawn to cancer genetics while completing her master’s degree at Bay Path University in Longmeadow, Massachusetts.

“I had a wonderful AP Biology teacher (in high school) who talked to us about genetic counseling, specifically in the prenatal specialty, which I thought I’d pursue a career in” she said. “I found my genetic counseling niche during my cancer rotation in graduate school.

“I love the patient population that I am able to serve, that cancer genetics is an ever-evolving field and the positive impact that genetic testing can have on a patient’s cancer care.”

Patients seeking to connect with Luevano regarding genetic counselling and testing are encouraged to speak to their oncologist.

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About East Alabama Health

East Alabama Health encompasses East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, EAMC-Lanier in Valley, the Spencer Cancer Center in Opelika, the Auburn Medical Pavilion and a host of other key medical clinic and practices that help provide a continuum of care to patients throughout an 11-county area. EAMC is a 314-bed regional referral hospital, while EAMC-Lanier provides inpatient services as well as a nursing home, an acute rehab unit and an ambulatory surgery center. East Alabama Health employs about 3,500 people and is the second largest employer in the region, trailing only Auburn University. For more information, visit www.eastalabamahealth.org.