Family Genetic Testing for Cancer Risk

Most cancers are not caused by inherited gene mutations, but everyone has some level of risk for developing cancer during their lifetime. Genetic testing can provide valuable insights not only for patients but also for their biological family members. When a genetic mutation is found in a family, testing other relatives can help identify who may be at increased risk for developing cancer.

This information is essential for healthcare providers to:

• Determine the right time to begin cancer screening.

• Select the most useful screening methods.

• Explore cancer prevention options.

• Develop potential treatment plans.

If a patient tests positive for a genetic mutation, adult biological relatives can undergo testing for the same mutation, enabling personalized care for the entire family. Understanding your specific risk is a powerful tool that can guide cancer screening, prevention strategies, and management.

The goal of family testing is to identify at-risk relatives, reduce cancer risk, and catch cancers at early, treatable stages through appropriate screening and management.

If you need help finding the right words to use when telling your family members about a positive cancer genetic test, access a template letter below to get started.