Learn about genetic testing for hereditary cancer-Ambry Genetics

What is Hereditary Cancer?

Although many people have a family history of cancer, only 10% of the cancer is hereditary. Hereditary Cancer is due to a mutation in a gene that protects your body from cancer. A mutation is like a “spelling error” in your genes. Having a mutation in certain genes can cause you to have a higher chance of getting cancer.

What is Genetic Testing?

Genetic Testing is a medical test (using blood or saliva) that carefully looks for mutations in your genes. You can think of it as a “spell check” of your genes. The results of hereditary cancer genetic testing can let you and your doctor know if you have a higher chance of getting certain types of cancer in your lifetime.

Why is Genetic Testing so Important?

Potential benefits of genetic testing for hereditary cancer include:

*Helping your doctor make the best cancer screening plan for you:

People who have a gene mutation that increases their risk for cancer may need to start cancer screening earlier than usual, have it more often or have additional screening for certain types of cancer.

*Giving you options for cancer prevention:

Surgery and medications can sometimes help lower your risk of certain cancers.

*Personalized treatment options may be available:

In some cases, genetic test results may tell your doctor if additional treatment options could be considered.

*Helping your family members:

Knowing if you have a gene mutation that increases your risk for cancer can help your family members know if they may have a higher risk for certain cancers too.

Should you have Genetic Testing?

If you answer “Yes” to any of the questions below, Hereditary Cancer Genetic Testing may be an option for you and/or your family members to consider.

*Have you/your family members been diagnosed with cancer at a young age?

*Have you/your family members been diagnosed with cancer that are usually rare, like pancreatic, ovarian or male breast cancer?

*Have you had 10 or more colon polyps?

*Have 3 or more people, on the same side of your family, had cancer?

*Are you of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry?

*Has anyone in your family been found to have a gene mutation that increases their risk for cancer?

Talk to your doctor then if Genetic Testing is right for you. If you or your doctor decide that you should have Genetic Testing, you will need to give a blood or saliva sample.

Your doctor should receive the test results in less than 2-3 weeks.

Ambry Genetics

One Enterprise, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656

*1-866-262-7943

*1-949-900-5501

ambrygen.com

https://www.ambrygen.com/

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Bloggers Note: This information was taken directly from the Ambry Genetics pamphlet and I give them full credit for the information. If you have further questions or need additional information on the company, please reach out to them from the phone numbers and links above. They can provide more information.