You may have heard about tests that can tell you if you are more likely to develop cancer. Or, if you have already had cancer, you may have thought about whether genetic testing could give you more information for yourself or your family.
Genetic testing raises many important issues for individuals and their families.
The following is a synopsis of frequently asked questions and important information you should know before deciding if cancer risk testing is useful for you. Genetic testing for cancer risk is used to determine if a genetic mistake, called a mutation , is present in genes that predispose persons to developing cancer, often at an earlier age than would be expected. This type of genetic testing is usually performed by analyzing a small blood sample. Having a predisposition to developing cancer means that a person is at a higher risk for cancer. Knowing if you are at a higher risk for cancer may enable you and your doctor to make health care decisions to prevent or reduce your chances for cancer.