Genetic testing for an inherited cancer risk looks at DNA found in blood or saliva samples to find mutations that can cause
diseases such as cancer. If you have a personal or family history of certain cancers (i.e., breast, ovarian, pancreatic, or colorectal), you may be referred to genetic counseling, where they determine your eligibility for genetic testing for inherited cancer risk.
Most cancers occur randomly or by chance, but sometimes a person carries a change in a gene that can increase their chances of developing cancer. This is called an inherited cancer risk.
Genetic testing for inherited cancer risk looks for changes in genes that increase a person’s risk of developing cancer.
Genetic testing is not biomarker testing. Genetic testing looks for genetic changes that are present in every cell in the body, while biomarker testing looks for changes that are only present in a tumor cell.
Knowing about an inherited cancer risk helps you and your family members take appropriate steps, including getting relevant cancer screenings and sometimes treatments if cancer develops.
Before you have a genetic test, it’s important to discuss the pros and cons of genetic testing with a genetic specialist (like a genetic counselor). If you decide to move forward with testing, you will need to provide a blood or saliva sample. After your results come back, the genetic specialist will have a follow-up discussion about your test results and what they mean for you and your family members.
Ask your genetic counselor, the health care provider who ordered your genetic testing or the lab that performed your genetic testing for a copy of your results. It is your right to request a copy of your results, which can be helpful when sharing your results with other
health care providers or family members.
Genetic testing can take up to 4 weeks to get your results. Make sure you get a copy of the final, most complete report and use this to
discuss with your genetic specialist.
Once you have your test results, it’s time to discuss them with your care team. Your health care provider will discuss what these test results mean for you, your care plan, and your family. You may also choose to share your results with your family members.
It can be helpful to write down your questions or notes about your family history before the appointment. You can find a list of helpful tips to help prepare for your appointment here.
The National Cancer Institute has a helpful glossary of common terms you may hear when speaking with your genetic specialist.
The National Human Genome Research Institute has a glossary of visual resources that may be helpful.
