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Whitney Maxwell, MS, CGC, stands at the helm of the at Huntsman Cancer Institute at the , overseeing a dynamic team of genetic counselors, assistants, and research staff. As the director of genetic counseling, her role is one of responsibility and deep purpose. Guiding a group of 10 genetic counselors, 4 assistants, and 6 research staff, Whitney looks back on how she found her way into this field.
“I became interested in genetic counseling because it applies genetic research to patient care,” she explains. For Whitney, it was about translating knowledge gleaned from the ever-evolving world of genetics into real, tangible benefits for patients. “We use what we understand in the genetic world to help prevent people from getting cancer or to detect it earlier. By providing critical and personalized information, we can empower individuals to take steps that might stave off the disease.”
Huntsman Cancer Institute has long been a leader in the field of genetics, tracing its roots back to the discovery of the . It is a place that fosters groundbreaking research and direct application to patient care. This culture of support, Whitney believes, is what sets Huntsman Cancer Institute apart. “We don’t bill patients for our genetic counseling consult services—it’s free. There’s a collective understanding here of the value genetics brings to cancer prevention.”
Being at the forefront of both technology and discovery, Whitney is energized by the constant advances in her field. “This is an exciting place to be,” she says, knowing that every breakthrough has the potential to save lives. One area she is particularly passionate about is expanding access to genetic services, especially for under-resourced populations. Collaborating with , and , researchers are exploring the use of chatbots to extend genetic counseling to rural and Spanish-speaking communities.
“My personal interest lies in expanding access to genetic counseling and testing to populations in Utah that haven’t previously had this information,” Whitney shares. Huntsman Cancer Institute’s Cancer Screening and Education Mobile Clinics are an avenue through which she feels women in these communities can be shown their genetic risks. This outreach work has grown since 2019, thanks to a small grant from the Utah Genomics Group, funded by the . “We started working with the mobile unit, asking patients how we could implement better genetic testing. We've expanded it to include providers, and the next step is clinical application.”
Whitney’s interest in the human side of cancer had always been a driving force. With a background in psychology, Whitney is fascinated by how people’s emotions intersect with their health. In college, she studied the effects of alcohol on non-human primates, identifying specific genetic markers and considering how these findings might be applied to humans. It was this blend of genetics and psychology that fueled her dedication to preventing cancer.
“Cancer counseling is prevention-focused,” she says. “If you're educated about your risk, we can help decrease your odds of being diagnosed or passing from the disease.” With access to the vast , Huntsman Cancer Institute, and Utah’s high rate of large families, genetic researchers have more information to identify genes critical to breast cancer development.
Utah's unique genetic landscape also presents high rates of Li-Fraumeni syndrome, a rare disorder that increases cancer risk. As a result, Huntsman Cancer Institute researchers are well-versed in tailoring treatments to patients' genetic profiles, ensuring more effective and efficient care. “We're invested in making the experience better for patients,” Whitney says, proud of the strides her department has made in creating a more patient-centered approach to genetic counseling.
Having tracked genetic testing since the 1990s, Huntsman Cancer Institute boasts a database of over 30,000 tests, providing an unparalleled depth of information for research and patient care. “We have data that goes back longer than many other sites,” Whitney remarks, noting how this historical perspective allows for deeper insights and better outcomes for patients.
Another thing that sets Huntsman Cancer Institute apart is its array of high-risk cancer clinics specializing in breast, colon, prostate, pancreatic, kidney, and pediatric cancer. “If you test positive for a genetic marker, we can send you to a clinic that specializes in that particular cancer,“ she says. This seamless communication between departments makes it possible for patients to receive immediate, expert care.
“People are more interested in their genetics than ever before,” Whitney observes. With increased accessibility to genetic testing, the field has expanded in ways she hadn't anticipated when she first started. “We used to have to explain everything about genetic testing—what it is, how it’s done. Now, people come to us eager for answers. It opens up a world of possibilities for studying human genetics.”
Whitney knows she stands on the shoulders of giants in the field—like Saundra Buys, MD, who established the Breast Cancer Family Registry—one of only six such sites worldwide. “Saundra’s love of genetics and her understanding of how it can be incorporated into cancer care and prevention has been transformative,” Whitney reflects. “Having her as an ally has been invaluable.”
As Whitney looks toward the future, she remains driven by the belief that genetics holds the key to unlocking new possibilities in cancer prevention. She feels proud of the work her team is doing and grateful for the community at Huntsman Cancer Institute that recognizes the importance of genetic research in transforming patient care.
The critical research happening every day at Huntsman Cancer Institute is supported by the National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute, including cancer center support grant P30 CA042014, as well as Huntsman Cancer Foundation.