Genetic testing for cancer is growing, both in the number of people receiving testing as well as in the mutations that are being found that are linked to cancer inheritance. Some of the cancers which have been associated with specific genes include breast cancer, familial melanoma, hereditary papillary renal carcinoma, hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer, neurofibromatosis, and Retinoblastoma.
Although genetic testing for cancer may show whether someone has a predisposition towards a particular type of cancer it does not necessarily mean that they will get that cancer. Likewise, a negative result for a cancer causing gene does not mean that someone will not get this cancer, but just that their chances of getting this cancer are the same as for the general population.
The process of genetic testing for cancer will include an initial interview with a medical geneticist, genetic counselor or medical doctor who will find out your family history and other pertinent information. They can then advise you about genetic testing and it will be up to you to decide whether you want to go ahead with the testing (you should never feel pressurized into having genetic testing)
Once this interview has taken place and you have decided to go ahead with the genetic testing for cancer a sample of your DNA will be taken. This can either be done through a swab of the inner cheek or through a blood sample.
This DNA sample will be sent to the laboratory who will analyze the sample for the genes known to be linked to hereditary cancers and mutations such as the BRCA1 and BRCA2.
Once the genetic testing for cancer has been done you will be given your results but it is important to remember what we mentioned earlier, that a positive result does not automatically mean you will get cancer and a negative result that you will not.
?What?s New in Cancer Genetics and Genetics Counseling? from ?Medscape Nurses? says ?of the 15-20% of women with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, only 5-10% have a genetic mutation. The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes account for 70% of hereditary breast and ovarian cancers. (BRCA2 is less strongly associated with ovarian cancer). Carriers of these genes have a 50-80% lifetime risk of developing disease, versus a 12.5% risk among those who do not carry the gene (1 in 8), and these cancers are seen at an earlier age than expected. When carriers are identified, critical screening and prophylactic treatment can be offered to these patients.?
In conclusion genetic testing for cancer is increasing both in the number of people being tested as well as in the amount of knowledge available regarding the inheritance of cancer. A number of different genes have been linked to a variety of different cancers, however just because a person is a carrier of the gene does not automatically mean that they will inherit the disease or because they do not have the gene that they will not inherit the disease. If you choose to go for genetic testing for cancer you will first of all be interviewed by a health care practitioner who should also be able to answer any of your questions so that you can make an informed decision. Once you have made the decision a sample of DNA will be taken either through blood testing or through a swab taken of the inner cheek. This may allow you to take preventative action or ensure that your lifestyle is a healthy one and doesn?t pose any additional risks.
Learn more about prenatal genetic testing on our site. You'll also find other information such as DNA tests and prenatal vs postnatal test. GeneticDNATestingHelp.org is a comprehensive resource for people who are interested in gentic DNA testing for paternity, genealogy, or medical reasons.
Tags: cancers, Breast Cancer, genetic testing, genetic test, cancer, type of cancer, family history, mutation, ovarian cancer, breast, disease, risk, brca1 and brca2, lifestyle, carcinoma