Genetics

Late-Onset Diseases

This type of testing is done to determine whether you have a greater chance of having diseases that show up later in life (late-onset diseases). If you have a relative who has the disease, information obtained from these tests can help you make decisions about preventing or slowing the progress of the disease.

Genetic testing is used to identify the risk of late-onset diseases such as:

• Breast cancer and ovarian cancer (BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 testing).
• Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), which causes abnormal growths inside the colon and increases your risk of colorectal cancer.
• Huntington's disease, a rare disease that causes premature, severe deterioration of the brain.

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Douglas Dana Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: February 29, 2008
Medical Review:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Siobhan M. Dolan, MD, MPH - Reproductive Genetics Renee H. Martin, PhD - Medical Genetics
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.