Colon Cancer Genetic Testing
Should I Be Tested?
Colon cancer genetic testing is not commonly done in Canada, and provincial health plan coverage to pay for testing varies from province to province. You may need to be referred for testing by your doctor.
You might choose to be tested because:
- You have received genetic counselling, understand the risks and benefits of testing, and feel that the benefits outweigh the risks. A genetic counsellor can help you make well-informed decisions.
- You have a personal history of more than 20 colon polyps, especially at a young age.
- You have a parent, brother, or sister who has colon cancer, FAP, or HNPCC and they have tested positive for the abnormal gene.
- You would be worried not knowing whether you have an increased chance of getting cancer.
- You would change your decision about having children because of test results.
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| Author: | Douglas Dana Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC | Last Updated: March 19, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Jerome B. Simon, MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology Arvydas D. Vanagunas, MD - Gastroenterology | |
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