Genetic Testing for Cancer

Should I get genetic testing for cancer?

Genetic tests can show if you have inherited a genetic mutation that increases your risk of cancer. Inherited gene mutations can often be found by testing blood or saliva (spit) samples. If you want to know more about inherited gene mutations, check out our Is Cancer Genetic? article.

Before you get genetic testing, it will be helpful to talk to a genetic counselor to find out if testing might be right for you. A genetic counselor will help you understand what to expect from testing, the risks and benefits involved, what the results might mean, and what your options are. Meeting with a genetic counselor before doing the actual test can help you determine how useful testing may be for you.

It is important to note that genetic tests cannot offer specific answers about inherited diseases. The genetic tests can only tell you if you have a type of gene mutation–not if you will get cancer. A positive test result does not necessarily mean you will get cancer. Remember, the test can tell what might happen, but it cannot tell what will happen. Additionally, a negative result may ease anxiety, but it does not mean there is no risk of you getting cancer. As stated above, risk can change over time due to lifestyle choices, exposure to harmful toxins, and aging.

If you do have a positive result for an inherited gene mutation, your health care provider may suggest that you:

• Start cancer screening tests earlier (if available for that cancer type)
• Get screening tests for that type of cancer more often
• Get screening tests that are used only for people known to be at increased cancer risk
• Monitor yourself for signs or symptoms of that type of cancer
• Learn about options to help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, such as medicines or surgery

If you do develop cancer, finding it early often means that cancer treatment is more likely to be helpful.

Should I use a home-based genetic test?

If you are considering taking a home-based genetic test, you need to know what it is testing for. Home-based tests do not provide information on a person’s overall risk of developing any type of cancer. A home-based genetic test should not be used as a substitute for cancer screening.

Always consult with your doctor if you are considering or have questions about genetic testing.

There can be problems if genetic test results are used without consulting a medical professional. Trained genetic counselors can help you know what to expect from your test results. This is why counseling before testing is so important – you will want to know if and how the results could help you.

Sometimes the tests themselves might not give clear answers. For example, you may find out that you have a certain gene mutation, but it might not be clear if this particular mutation actually increases your risk (or, if it does, by how much). So, it is important to seek genetic counseling and to talk to your doctor about your concerns.