In honor of Cecile Skrzynia
Every week, Cecile Skrzynia talks to patients and family members about the genetics of cancer. It’s not a lecture. It’s a personal meeting. She’s a genetic counselor, and in 1996 she started the UNC Cancer Genetics Services.
“A patient doesn’t inherit cancer,” Cecile explains. “A patient can inherit the susceptibility to develop cancer. When there’s a doubt or question, or whenever someone is concerned about inheritance, that’s when genetic counselors are called.”
For Cecile, a native of France, this is her second career. She had been a researcher studying cell division in mushrooms back in the mid-1990s when she was asked to translate a genetic counseling session. The conversation fascinated her, as did the chance to work with patients. She dropped everything to pursue her master’s degree in genetic counseling, living in Richmond five days a week and returning home to Chapel Hill to be with her family on weekends.
When she started UNC’s Cancer Genetics Services in 1996, she was a team of one. Now, there are three more counselors, and she sees more than ever the need to help people look ahead and be prepared to deliver the best care possible.
“I absolutely love this work,” she says. “It’s extremely gratifying to be able to help people and it’s great to be part of this team at UNC.”