Sophie van der Velden

In 2001 I started as a radiotherapy laboratory technician at the Netherlands Cancer Institute. In 2005 I started working at Clinical Genetics as a genetic consultant, since 2023 I have been working there as a physician assistant. As a physician assistant , I see people who have had cancer themselves at a young age and/or who have a family history of cancer. The question then is whether the cancer is hereditary.

I supervise the people who have genetic testing performed. We discuss the pros and cons of the research. The results of the DNA test can have consequences for the treatment of cancer, for example the choice of surgery if you are a carrier of a hereditary predisposition to breast cancer, and for advice on check-ups and possible preventive operations. The result can also have consequences for the family members. If a hereditary predisposition is demonstrated, family members can be examined for carrier status of this hereditary predisposition.