Certain inherited gene flaws have been linked to higher risk of some cancers. Tests (called predictive gene tests) have been developed that will find some of these cancer-related genes in the human body. Gene testing can show if someone is at a higher risk of getting a disease before any symptoms appear. An accurate gene test can tell if a person has or does not have a disease-related gene flaw (mutation). It cannot predict whether a person will actually develop cancer.

If the flawed gene is present, many other factors can influence the chances that the person will actually develop cancer. This means that many people with the gene flaw may not get cancer at all. Even those who do not have the flawed gene may still be at risk for certain types of cancer.

Many questions are yet to be answered about gene testing. Scientists want to be sure that the tests are reliable. Patients and health professionals must also know the limits and possible dangers of testing. For instance, telling others about gene test results can sometimes cause emotional harm to the patient and family.

It is important for people who are thinking about being tested to talk with professional genetic counselors. These counselors are often nurses who are trained to help people as they consider testing. Once testing is done, these counselors can help the patient and family understand the results and help them decide about prevention or treatment options.

You may have questions about whether genetic testing is a good idea for you or your family members. Please discuss your questions with your doctor and health care team.

What the patient can do

• Ask to talk with a genetic counselor before you decide to have genetic testing.
• Ask how the test can help you and your family. Find out what problems it may cause.
• Ask how the test results might affect your ability to keep and get life, disability, and health insurance.
• Ask how the test results might affect your current or future job prospects.
• Ask about the privacy of your genetic testing results.
• Learn what you can do to lower your cancer risk, or your children's cancer risk, if testing shows that you have a flawed gene.
• Give yourself time to talk the testing over with your family before you make a decision, and come back if you have more questions.

For more in-depth information on genetic testing, see Genetic Testing: What You Need to Know.

Go back to Caring for the Patient with Cancer at Home: A Guide for Patients and Families.

Last Medical Review: 04/27/2009
Last Revised: 04/27/2009