However, this kind of testing is now commercially available. Still, there is no consensus about the circumstances in which genetic testing might be useful, and genetic testing is certainly not routine. Scientists and physicians are still uncertain about how best to help alteration carriers. Even if the precise risk of cancer for an individual carrier were known, there are no proven effective risk reduction strategies. Physicians are not sure about the best ways to monitor those at high risk to assure early detection if they do develop cancer.
More research is needed.
The hope is that these gene alterations as well as any others discovered in future studies will provide novel targets for the development of anticancer drugs. The interaction between gene alterations and environmental factors may also present new strategies for cancer prevention. Several publications and other documents are available on this Web site, including the position papers of professional and advocacy organizations on the issue of genetic testing for susceptibility to cancer. Because the issues surrounding genetic testing are highly personal and can have far-reaching consequences, a health professional trained in genetics is a good resource for exploring these issues. The staff can send a booklet called Understanding Gene Testing and other printed information, and can answer questions about cancer and cancer genetics.