Your health risk assessment may indicate that you’re a candidate for genetic testing for hereditary cancer. The test itself typically involves taking a small sample of blood or saliva, which is then sent to a lab. The results may be able to tell you if you inherited a gene mutation that increases your risk for hereditary cancer.
While the test itself is simple, making the decision to get tested isn’t always as straightforward as it might seem.
It's important to think about what this information might mean for you and your family. Whether the results of your genetic test are positive, negative or uncertain (and sometimes the results are inconclusive), you need to consider the emotional and medical impact it will have on everyone involved.
It is possible that your test results will offer peace of mind. Or they may reveal a risk that you can manage with your healthcare provider’s help. Or they may result in more unanswered questions or stress.
In some families, relationships can become complicated if people feel differently about what they want to know when it comes to their risk for cancer. Genetic counselors are trained to help you work through these decisions and their implications for you and your family.
If you and your genetic counselor decide that genetic testing is right for you, your next step is to make an appointment for your test. Results may take a few weeks, and your genetic counselor will review them with you.
A Word on At-Home Genetic Testing
Some companies offer at-home tests for hereditary conditions. It's important to understand the limitations of these tests. Genetic information is powerful and results are not always clear. It's always smart to speak to a genetic counselor before taking any kind of genetic test.
If you and your genetic counselor decide that genetic testing is right for you, your next step is to make an appointment for your test. Results may take a few weeks, and your genetic counselor will review them with you.