Genetic testing and counselling

Genetic testing

Genetic testing is the scientific testing of a person's genes. It is usually done when someone is at an increased risk of inheriting a changed gene .

Genetic testing can determine whether you have inherited a high risk of cancer. For example, if a genetic test finds that you have a fault in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, you likely have a higher risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer. It does not mean that you will definitely develop the disease.

Genetic testing will be discussed with you at your appointment at a familial cancer centre and is only offered with genetic counselling. This is because it is important to talk about the limitations and potential benefits of genetic testing with health professionals so that you can make an informed decision.

Eligibility for genetic testing

 

Get support

Learning about your family history of cancer and inherited risk can be overwhelming. You may experience a range of emotions. Call 13 11 20 to speak to our compassionate cancer nurses or join our online community and connect with other people who have a similar experience.

You may also want to listen to  The Thing About Cancer podcast episode on genetic tests and cancer .

Learn more

Genetic counselling

There are many important medical, ethical, social and legal issues to be considered before having genetic testing. These can be discussed with a genetic counsellor. You will have counselling before and after genetic testing.

All familial cancer centres employ genetic counsellors who can:

  • provide information, support and counselling to individuals and families
  • clarify your risk of having inherited a changed cancer gene based on your family history
  • discuss what management plans may be appropriate
  • discuss the limitations, potential benefits, disadvantages and appropriateness of genetic testing.

Genetic counsellors work with a multidisciplinary team of specialists at familial cancer centres, including clinical geneticists (medical doctors with a specialty in genetics), oncologists, surgeons and gastroenterologists, among others.

Considering genetic testing

How much a genetic test can help depends on:

  • how accurately a test can predict the level of risk
  • if there's a high risk, whether anything can be done to lessen it
  • whether anything can be done that's seen to be useful by the person being tested.

Genetic specialists will help you understand the risk and benefit of undergoing genetic testing. Depending on your situation, they may help you consider the following outcomes:

Possible benefits for those found to carry a changed gene

Possible disadvantages for those found to carry a changed gene

Possible benefits for those found not to carry a changed gene

Possible disadvantages for those found not to carry a changed gene

 

More information on genetics and risk

A range of organisations provide information and support specifically for people concerned about their family history of cancer. You may find the following helpful:

 

 

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