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Long-distance genetic counseling available

A gasoline station attendant pumps gas Thursday, July 13, 2006, in Portland, Ore. Oil prices are hitting new highs, going above 76 dollars a barrel today. Traders are reacting to news of rising violence in the Middle East, the standoff with Iran over its nuclear program and news of explosions on Nigerian pipelines. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

Genetic counselors in Colorado Springs are meeting patients at two Mercy Regional Medical Center sites in Durango through audio/video conferencing.

Advances in telemedicine allow patients to schedule appointments at Mercy’s Three Springs or Horse Gulch locations in Durango, but confer with a genetic counselor at the Penrose Cancer Center in Colorado Springs.

Counselors help patients construct a family history to estimate the risk of developing cancer, determine if genetic testing is valuable and learn how to screen for and prevent cancer.

If genetic testing is done, counselors coordinate the procedure.

daler@durangoherald.com



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