Should my family or I have genetic testing?

 

Ask a Question

Q: Should my family or I have genetic testing? 

A: You can inherit a higher risk of developing certain cancers. Yet only about 5 to 10 percent of cancers are inherited. Depending upon the type of cancer you have, there may be a screening test that can determine if you carry a genetic mutation that puts you and your close blood relatives at higher risk. 

Genetic testing for cancer risk is still largely in its scientific infancy. Finding a genetic mutation in a test does not mean that person will definitely develop cancer. Discuss the possibility of genetics playing a role in your cancer with your doctor. If  indicated, your doctor will refer you to a genetic counselor to learn about the risks, limitations, and benefits of genetic testing.
--Kathy Newman, RN, BSN

See the benefits and risks of genetic testing.

Latest Cancer News
Avastin® Linked with Increased Risk of Blood Clots

November 20, 2008 — According to a combined analysis of previously published studies, cancer patients who use Avastin® (bevacizumab) may have an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (a blood clot in a vein). These results were published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Addition of Avastin® to Paraplatin®, Taxol®, and Erbitux® Promising for Advanced NSCLC

November 20, 2008 — Researchers affiliated with the Southwest Oncology Group have reported that the four-drug combination of chemotherapy agents Paraplatin® (carboplatin) and Taxol® (paclitaxel) plus targeted therapies Avastin® (bevacizumab) and Erbitux® (cetuximab) is safe and may improve survival in patients with advanced non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The details of this study were presented at the 2008 Chicago Multidisciplinary Symposium in Thoracic Oncology November 13-15.

Avastin® Increases Risk of Venous Thromboembolism

November 20, 2008 — Researchers from Stony Brook University have reported that the use of Avastin® (bevacizumab) increases the risk of thromboembolism. The details of this review were published in the November 19, 2008 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Select news items provided by Reuters Health