More than 50 hereditary cancer syndromes have been described; see the PDQ Cancer Genetics Overview for a list of familial cancer susceptibility syndromes. Most of these are caused by harmful variants that are inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion—that is, a
single altered copy of the gene inherited from one parent is enough to increase a person’s chance of developing cancer. For most of these syndromes, genetic tests for harmful variants are available. Tests are also available for several inherited genetic variants that are not associated with
named syndromes but have been found to increase cancer risk. Examples include inherited variants in PALB2 (associated with increased risks of breast and pancreatic cancers), CHEK2 (breast and colorectal cancers), BRIP1 (ovarian cancer), and RAD51C and RAD51D (ovarian cancer).

Genetic tests are usually requested by a person’s genetic counselor, doctor, or other health care provider who has reviewed the individual’s health and family history. The genetic test options from which a health professional may select include those that look at a single gene
and those that look for harmful variants in multiple genes at the same time. Tests of the latter type are called multigene (or panel) tests.
Testing is done on a small sample of bodily fluid or tissue—usually blood, but sometimes saliva, cells from inside the cheek, or skin cells. The sample is then sent to a laboratory that specializes in genetic testing. The laboratory returns the test results to the doctor or genetic counselor who requested the test. It usually takes several weeks or longer to get the test results. Health insurance typically covers genetic counseling and many genetic tests, if they are considered medically necessary. A person considering genetic testing should discuss costs and health insurance coverage with their doctor and insurance company before being tested.

https://londonmedicaltesting.com/doctor-consultation/You can find out more about our online Doctor Consultation Service here. Appointments are available at your convenience, from 8am to 8pm, 365 days a year.

Screening is looking for signs of disease, such as breast cancer, before a person has symptoms. The goal of screening tests is to find cancer at an early stage when it can be treated and may be cured. Sometimes a screening test finds a cancer that is very small or very slow growing. These cancers are unlikely to cause death or illness during the person’s lifetime. Scientists are trying to better understand which people are more likely to get certain types
of cancer. For example, they look at the person’s age, their family history, and certain exposures during their lifetime. This information helps doctors recommend who should be screened for cancer, which screening tests should be used, and how often the tests should be performed.
It is important to remember that your doctor does not necessarily think you have cancer if he or she suggests a screening test. Screening tests are done when you have no cancer symptoms. Women who have a strong family history or a personal history of cancer or other risk factors may also be offered genetic testing. If a screening test result is abnormal, you may need to have more tests done to find out if you have cancer. These are called diagnostic tests, rather than screening test.