THE TEST looks for common family mutations in the RET gene. These alterations have been linked to an unusual type of thyroid cancer that is sometimes inherited. Screening methods aren't highly effective in picking up such tumors early, so it's generally recommended that people at risk for this malignancy have their thyroid removed as a preventive. THE TEST searches out mutations in the p16 gene that appear to be linked to inherited melanoma, a lethal skin cancer. Other genes have been associated with melanoma, too, but tests are not yet on the market.
Vigilant monitoring is called for.
THE TEST looks for alterations in several genes that have been implicated in two, types of hereditary colorectal cancer. Some doctors would now recommend that he or she have the colon removed as a precaution. One of the three variants, E4, appears to be associated with Alzheimer's disease. Changes in BRCA1 also seem to raise ovarian cancer risk. Her lifetime chance of getting breast cancer might be 85 percent.