常见问题:遗传性癌症的基因检测
- Am I required to have genetic testing if I see a genetic counselor?
- Why is genetic counseling an important part of genetic testing?
- What can I do if I learn I have an increased chance of getting cancer?
- 我已经得过癌症了. 我能从遗传咨询中学到什么?
- What about insurance discrimination and confidentiality?
Am I required to have genetic testing if I see a genetic counselor?
No. Genetic counseling involves a detailed evaluation of your family history and family medical records as well as education about hereditary cancer.
在初步咨询之后, some people decide to pursue genetic testing to learn more about the level of cancer risk in their family. Others learn that their family history is not suggestive of an inherited predisposition, or they choose to not pursue genetic testing at this time. 的se families can still benefit from receiving education about cancer risk, as well as personalized cancer screening and prevention guidelines.
Why is genetic counseling an important part of genetic testing?
有许多不同的基因测试, so the counselor will help each person choose the test that is most appropriate based on their family history and type of information they are looking for. 也, genetic tests that are currently available cannot explain the strong history of cancer in many families. It is important to document the family history in detail so we can provide recommendations for early detection or prevention of cancer, 即使基因检测不能提供信息. Genetic counseling also addresses important aspects of testing, such as the implications and options for the patient and the impact on family members.
What can I do if I learn I have an increased chance of getting cancer?
的re are a variety of options available to people who have an increased chance of cancer based on their family history or genetic testing results. 的se include increased screening or monitoring, chemoprevention – including medications that reduce the chance of cancer – and risk-reducing surgery. For people who have cancer, the results of genetic testing can sometimes affect the treatment plan.
的re are also new methods of cancer detection and prevention that are being developed, 其中一些可以通过 加州大学旧金山分校癌症遗传和预防项目 作为临床试验. All of these options can be discussed in detail at your visit.
People who have already had cancer may learn about steps they can take to detect or reduce the chance of other cancers. 例如,遗传倾向于 乳腺癌 会增加患癌症的几率吗 卵巢癌.
Genetic counseling will also provide information about whether other family members have an increased chance of developing cancer. 的re are steps they can take to detect cancer early or prevent it from occurring.
What about insurance discrimination and confidentiality?
的re are laws in California and most other states preventing health insurers from using genetic testing results to discriminate against individuals. This means that a health insurer cannot raise your rates, drop your coverage or deny you coverage based on the results of genetic testing.
除现有法律保护外, the 癌症遗传学和预防项目 has multiple procedures in place to protect the confidentiality of your genetic counseling and genetic testing information. 的 加州大学旧金山分校隐私实践通知小册子 解释我们如何保护您的隐私.
加州大学旧金山分校健康 medical specialists have reviewed this information. It is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or other health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your provider.