Colon Cancer Genetic Testing: Should I Be Tested
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Should I Be Tested?
The decision to be tested for genetic colon cancer is personal. You may have emotional, financial, and family reasons for taking or not taking the test.
You might choose to be tested because:
- You have received genetic counseling, understand the risks and benefits of testing, and feel that the benefits outweigh the risks. A genetic counselor can help you make well-informed decisions.
- You have a personal history of more than 20 colon polyps, especially at a young age.
- You have a parent, brother, or sister who has colon cancer, FAP, or HNPCC and they have tested positive for the abnormal gene.
- You would be worried not knowing whether you have an increased chance of getting cancer.
- You plan to make different medical decisions if you find out your test is positive.
- You would change your decision about having children because of test results.
| Last updated: | May 28, 2008 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Bets Davis, MFA |
| Reviewed By: | Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine, Siobhan M. Dolan, MD, MPH - Reproductive Genetics |
| Editors: | Maria Essig, Tracy Landauer |
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