What to Know About Genetic Testing for Cancer
If you have a family history of cancer, knowing if you have a genetic risk can help guide your future care.
Learn what you can expectGenetic Testing for Cancer
Your genes do more than determine the color of your hair and eyes. They also play a role in your future health. Knowing if you have a genetic risk for certain cancers helps you and your provider create a plan to prevent them.
What is Genetic Testing?
Genetic testing looks for changes on the gene that could make you more likely to get certain types of cancer. The types of cancer include breast and ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, colon cancer, male breast cancer and other cancers. Your results will be used to create a personalized care plan for cancer screenings and possible treatment in the future.
What is Genetic Counseling?
Genetic counseling is done before and after testing. Before testing, a genetic counselor can help you understand the benefits of testing. After testing, they can help you understand your results.
What to Expect During the Genetic Testing Process
During or prior to your appointment, you’ll be asked to answer questions about your family cancer history. Your care team will use that information to create your family tree, as well as review and discuss your risk factors.
Your care team will order a genetic blood or saliva test, which will examine your DNA.
Understanding Your Results
There are three possible results for your genetic test:
- Positive – A mutation was found
- Negative – A mutation was not found
- Uncertain – There isn’t enough information
After you receive your results, a genetic specialist will meet with you to:
- Review any identified gene mutations
- Explain your personal cancer risk
- Provide recommendations to reduce your cancer risk or develop a plan for early detection
Cost
Oftentimes the cost for genetic testing is covered by insurance. Like any health care test or procedure, you should check with your insurance company about coverage before having any testing done.
Get Started
Genetic testing is a personal decision. In addition to talking with your primary care provider, you can also fill out the form below to meet with an OSF genetic specialist. They can help you decide if testing is right for you.
In the spirit of Christ and the example of Francis of Assisi, the Mission of OSF HealthCare is to serve persons with the greatest care and love in a community that celebrates the Gift of Life.