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People nowadays are more focused on wellness, with most having routine physical exams with their medical providers, including preventive testing as age progresses to catch illnesses in their early stages. Genetic testing has become one of these tests to assess for hereditary conditions.

One such test, MyRisk Hereditary Cancer Testing, tests for risks for 11 cancers using a multi-gene panel checking for a “germline genetic mutation” that increases a patient’s risk for the disease.   

As technology advances, these tests are becoming more accessible to a broader audience, hoping to find details on possible health conditions and family history before issues arise. 

What Are Genetic Tests 

Genetic testing is essentially a medical test to recognize any differences in the “chromosomal structure or DNA sequence.” The testing measures gene change results. It assesses and measures a particular gene’s makeup to better identify those that could be shared and possibly signal health-related concerns. 

Many uses have been found for these tests, explicitly allowing patients to prepare for the future by revealing the potential for developing a health condition, assisting medical providers in diagnosing a rare hereditary condition or gaining insight into more precise medical care when developing treatment plans. 

Clinical genetic testing’s objective is to learn of possible inherited conditions, including cancer, to then add to a medical record. These results allow for the best preventive measures. Genetic testing can assess for these cancer risks: 

1. Stomach 
2. Breast 
3. Kidney 
4. Ovarian 
5. Sarcoma 
6. Colon 
7. Skin or melanoma 
8. Thyroid 
9. Pancreatic 
10. Prostate 

Genetic testing can help medical providers assess your risk for developing different cancers. Still, it can’t determine with certainty whether cancer development will or won’t occur. 

It can find out whether there are genes that could pass an increased risk, like the BRCA- breast cancer gene, onto your kids. Having access to these results allows informed decisions on possible care plans. Go here for common questions about genetic testing for cancer. 

How Are Genetic Tests Performed 

Genetic tests will either be taken via saliva samples with a blood test or a kit at home. Providers suggest considering the testing if a particular illness like cancer is prevalent in your family that you’re concerned about developing. 

It will also help to see if you might be a carrier or perhaps your child is a carrier or is at risk for having a condition. The tests will help medical providers with prevention and set up care plans, particularly when it comes to cancer.  

Those at high risk for passing a hereditary condition to a child may want to consider genetic testing. Some primary candidates would include: 

• Anyone whose stillborn infant was diagnosed with a hereditary condition 
• Those with close relatives with hereditary conditions 
• Anyone having two + miscarriages 
• Parents with a child already plagued by a hereditary condition 
• Pregnant women aged 35 + who have abnormal prenatal screenings should have further testing 

People can opt for genetic testing for pure peace of mind even when risk tolerance is low. 

What Benefits Are Associated with Genetic Testing for Cancer 

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Many people engage in preventive testing in order to catch illness and disease early to then follow their medical provider’s aggressive care plan to eradicate the condition.  

Learn about genetic testing for cancer at https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/genetics/genetic-testing-for-cancer-risk/understanding-genetic-testing-for-cancer.html#:~:. Genetic testing is one of many preventive measures and can have several benefits. 

• Peace of mind: When different types of cancer are prevalent in your family, genetic testing can predict your risk. If the result is negative, you can rest assured that you didn’t inherit those particular variants. 
• Preventive measures: If you find a variant that will increase your likelihood of developing a particular type of cancer, you can work with your medical provider early to take preventive measures and pay attention for symptoms. 
• Family tests: Immediate members of your family can possibly discover their risks for cancer variants based on your results. This could motivate them to have testing as well. 

As with any medical testing or procedure, there are possible downsides. 

• The psychological effect: If your results are inconclusive or positive, this can lead to anxiety and extreme stress. It’s also a concern whether you should share these details with your family. If this is something that will impact their health, it’s important to let them know so they can make informed decisions. 
• The guilt: If other family members are dealing with types of cancer that you tested negative for those variants, it could cause you to develop a sense of guilt if you were to share this news with those loved ones. 
• The cost: The price point can be high, with some insurance carriers not covering the costs. 

Final Thought 

Genetic tests are beneficial in helping discern if you have hereditary variations that expose you to the risk of cancer. The testing is encouraged when a personal or family history is prevalent in particular types of the disease.  

A genetic counselor can work to guide you through the decision-making process to see whether testing is right for you. These professionals will assess and review the results and discuss how to move forward.