What to ask your doctor about testing for cancer genes

Here are some questions you might like to ask your doctor or genetic counsellor about testing for cancer genes:

• What are the advantages and disadvantages to having genetic testing?

• How do you do the test?

• What is genetic counselling?

• When will I get the results of the test?

• If you don't find a faulty gene what does it mean?

• What happens if you find a faulty gene?

• What is my risk of developing cancer?

• What is the risk to my family and do they need testing?

• Can you help me talk to my family?

• What is screening and can I have it?

• What does screening involve?

• How often will I be screened?

• Is there something I can do to lower my risk of developing cancer such as treatment for example?

• What preventative treatment is available?

• How much will preventative treatment reduce my risk of developing cancer?

• What does the treatment involve?

• What are the immediate and long term side effects of treatment?

• When should I have treatment?

• Will the treatment affect my fertility?

• Can I time any treatment so that I can have a family?

• Are there any support groups available?

• Does it cost me anything to have genetic tests?

• If I can't have genetic test what is the reason?

• Can I go elsewhere to get genetic tests?

• Who does the genetic test and where is it done?

You could print them out and add any other questions that you might have.

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