Genetic Testing for Hereditary Cancer
What to expect
A genetic test for hereditary cancer looks at your genes for mutations, or abnormalities, that impact the likelihood that you will develop hereditary cancer.
If you've spoken to a genetic counselor or other healthcare provider and chosen to move forward with a genetic test for hereditary cancer, a sample of your blood or saliva will be taken and sent to a lab for processing. Once your results are in, your genetic counselor will discuss them with you and explain what they mean.
It's important to understand that results from these tests aren’t always straightforward. While the test may offer useful insight, it cannot tell you whether you will or will not get the type of cancer that runs in your family; it can only offer insight on your level of risk.