Genetic testing fo cancer?

[helsbels666]

Has anyone been tested for a cancer gene such as BRCA 1? How did you go about it? What makes you eligible for testing?

[Katiek34]

is that the Breast Cancer gene? I'm not sure but think you have to have a family history of the cancer. I looked into it and even if u are found to have the gene, it does not mean u will develop it later on in life. Your GP should be able to advise you.

[noxlumos]

My wife is being tested for HNPCC as it's prevalent in her family and her father had a tumour that had microsatellite instabilty which suggested that the HNPCC gene was to blame. Lots of her family have died of colorectal cancer so that's why she was offered a test especilly as we want more children. Unfortuneatly she became pregnant before she had the test so we're hoping for a negative result.

If you are concerend about cancer genetics you can pay to have tests done in the States if you are refused one here and the prices are surprisingly reasonable as they do far more of them there.Hope this helps.

[helsbels666]

Thanks noxlumos. My mother has cancer and as a result my insurance premiums have gone througfh the roof, just got me thinking about wether i would get it or not........

[helsbels666]

by the way good luck with the results! And congrats on the preg

[noxlumos]

Thanks:) I think if it's one isolated cancer within your family then they probably wouldn't consider it a possible gene linked one, but if you have several family members who have all had the same type then they start really looking at why.Best of luck to your Mum by the way, hope everything goes well.