Variant of uncertain significance. For people who are already diagnosed with a cancer, results of genetic testing may help them make decisions about their treatment and understand their risk for other cancers. From basic information about cancer and its causes to in-depth information on specific cancer types – including risk factors, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment options – you’ll find it here. But gene mutations can also be random events that sometimes happen inside a cell, without a clear cause. “Genetic testing is a powerful tool to identify those individuals who are at especially increased risk for developing certain cancers because of family history.” Genetic tests for mutations that cause hereditary cancer syndromes are usually requested by a person’s doctor or other health care provider. When to get testing done Not everyone is a candidate for genetic testing. Even when added together, all the known common variants associated with a particular cancer type account for only a small portion of a person’s risk of that cancer. Lifestyle factors and environmental risks can also influence disease expression. Still, only about 5% to 10% of all cancers are thought to be strongly related to an inherited gene mutation. ), Changing personal behaviors (like quitting smoking, getting more exercise, and eating a healthier diet) to reduce the risk of certain cancers. There is also much work being done to increase the accuracy and consistency of classifying the genetic variants detected by testing. American Society of Clinical Oncology Policy Statement update: Genetic and genomic testing for cancer susceptibility. Their result will be ready 4 to 8 weeks later. create jobs 51 / Shutterstock One in three Americans is at risk of developing some form of cancer, according to the American Cancer … Genetic testing would be offered to patients who meet the clinical criteria for a particular hereditary cancer syndrome. Nature 2018; 562(7726):217-222. Several first-degree relatives (mother, father, sisters, brothers, children) with cancer, Many relatives on one side of the family who have had the same type of cancer, A cluster of cancers in your family that are known to be linked to a single gene mutation ( such as, A family member with more than 1 type of cancer, Family members who had cancer at a younger age than normal for that type of cancer, Close relatives with cancers that are linked to rare hereditary cancer syndromes, A family member with a rare cancer, such as breast cancer in a male or retinoblastoma, Ethnicity (for example, Jewish ancestry is linked to ovarian and breast cancers), A physical finding that’s linked to an inherited cancer (such as having many colon polyps), A known genetic mutation in one or more family members who have already had genetic testing. Family Cancer Syndromes gives you more information on the types of cancers that may be linked to inherited genes. There can be benefits to genetic testing, regardless of whether a person receives a positive or a negative result. All laboratories that do genetic testing and share results must be CLIA certified. What is the role of genetic counseling in genetic testing for a hereditary cancer syndrome? As part of its mission, FTC investigates complaints about false or misleading health claims in advertisements. While testing can be helpful in some cases, not every woman needs to be tested, and the pros and cons need to be considered carefully. MedStar Health Cancer Network provides genetic counseling or testing (a simple blood test to detect the gene) to patients who believe they may be affected by a hereditary factor. For most of these syndromes, genetic tests for harmful variants are available. DTC genetic testing also does not ensure the privacy of the test results. All so you can live longer — and better. 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