The right test at the right time
Knowing how to move forward depends on getting answers to your questions. Specialized hereditary cancer tests and comprehensive services and support from Quest Advanced® Oncology can help you and your doctor learn more about your risk of hereditary cancer and confidently plan the next steps.
The right test depends on many factors, such as personal and family history of cancer. Talk to your healthcare provider if any of the statements below are true about you or someone in your family:
- Have had genetic testing
- Have had cancer diagnosed under age 50
- Have had 2 or more cancers diagnosed in the same person
- Have had 2 or more family members (on the same side of the family) diagnosed with cancer
- Have been diagnosed with a rare cancer
- Have a family member with a gene variant
Women and men who carry variants in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are at a higher risk for developing certain types of cancer. These include cancers of the breast, ovary, prostate, and pancreas. There may also be an increased risk for melanoma. Having a variant does not mean you have cancer, only that you are at a higher risk for developing cancer.
Why consider genetic testing?
The decision to pursue genetic testing is a personal one. Your current medical status, personal experiences with cancer, and general readiness for genetic information all influence this process. For some patients, you may find that genetic testing can provide the information needed to tailor a screening regimen and open the door to risk-reduction options. Getting tested can also give important information to your family. It can help other family members understand their risk for cancer.
A variant in any of several genes can cause Lynch syndrome. People with a variant in 1 of these genes have a higher risk for some types of cancer, including cancers of the colon, uterus, ovary, and stomach. Although the risk for cancer is increased, not everyone with Lynch syndrome will develop cancer. Knowing if you have a variant allows you and your healthcare provider to take steps to reduce your chances of developing cancer. If you already have cancer, knowing if you have Lynch syndrome allows your healthcare provider to make informed treatment decisions.
Resources
A quiz to help you understand your personal risk
Understanding your personal risk for hereditary cancer with our guideline-based quiz can help you work with your doctor to take action, sooner.
Hereditary cancer links
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Our guideline-based quiz can help you understand your personal risk for hereditary cancer.
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