Mercy Cancer Services
Medical Services: Genetic Testing
Genetic testing and an in-depth cancer risk assessment may be useful
for individuals with a strong personal and/or family history of cancer.
Oncologists and nurse practitioners, who have additional training in
genetic testing and counseling, provide an individualized analysis to
identify persons at risk for hereditary cancer syndromes. Once testing
is performed, these specialists provide patients a comprehensive
evaluation.
Genetic testing identifies whether or not an individual has an
increased risk for certain types of cancer. While you don’t inherit
cancer, you can inherit a higher risk for developing it.
Early detection of cancer is one of the best things people can do to
protect their health and significantly increases the chances of
successful outcomes.
What is genetic testing? Genetic testing is the analysis of
human DNA to detect inheritable disease-related gene mutations. An
accurate genetic test can determine whether or not a person has a
disease-related gene mutation that may increase the risk of certain
cancers. Genetic testing also involves counseling both before and after
the test is completed.
Who needs a genetic test? Genetic testing provides an in-depth
cancer risk assessment for individuals with a significant personal
and/or family history of cancer. An oncologist can help patients decide
if testing is right for them.
What is the process for genetic testing? Patients first complete a personal and family medical history, along
with a counseling session. Patients then provide a small blood sample
for testing. The sample is analyzed in a laboratory that looks for a
change or mutation in the gene. While the lab test is very complex, only
this blood sample is needed. Insurance companies may cover the cost of
testing. Following the testing, patients receive comprehensive
counseling based on the results of their test.
What happens after genetic testing? Following genetic testing,
patients receive comprehensive counseling about the results of the test,
and for those who are found to have a gene mutation and a higher risk of
cancer, options for next steps are discussed. These options can include
closer medical surveillance, drug/hormone therapy for prevention, or
surgery. What a patient chooses to do as a result of the testing is
strictly a personal decision and genetic testing provides them with the
tools they need to make informed decisions.
If a family member has tested positive for a mutation, other family
members are encouraged to be tested as well – to determine which side of
the family the gene mutation is from and who else has the mutation and
therefore is at a higher risk for developing cancer. The information
from genetic testing enables family members to make decisions that could
save their lives. It also can tell family members that they do not have
the mutated gene.
Are the results of genetic testing confidential? Yes, the
results of genetic testing are strictly confidential. It is also against
the law for insurance companies to discriminate against patients based
on genetic information.
Benefits of genetic testing:
Risks of genetic testing:
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Difficulty coping with known cancer risk
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Impact on family and personal relationships
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Concern about the privacy of results
Visit Mercy's health information library to learn
more about
genetic testing,
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