Genetic Testing?

[katematta]

I have my first followup skin exam next Thursday, April 5th. My oncologist also wants me to do genetic testing (which I have scheduled for May 21st) since I have such a high number of family members with cancer.

Has anyone experienced this before? What do they do? Is it a simple blood test and questionnaire?

My family history:

Great Grandmother - Melanoma and Cervical Cancer

Grandmother - Melanoma, Basel Cell, and Breast Cancer

Aunt - Cervical Cancer and Non Hodgkins Lymphoma

Mother - Basel Cell

Myself - Melanoma and Pre Cervical Cancer Cells

[Haleyjean22]

I am actually waiting for my genetic testing results, April 13th. It was just bloodwork and a lot of paperwork/family history. Ages at death for family members and what they died from, current family medical problems.

[katematta in reply to Haleyjean22]

Thank you! That's what I figured it'd be.

[Robynfine]

I had genetic testing in 2013. Just some labs and paperwork. My dad, brother and I all had/have melanoma. We tested negative for any genes they are aware of that carry the disease. My doctor said I could be retested in a few years and they may have discovered more genes that carry melanoma. I figured, what’s the point. We know it runs in our family.

[katematta in reply to Robynfine]

Thank you! I'm nervous it'll be all for nothing and that my insurance won't cover it.

[Emmalee88]

When I had melanoma I was asked to take part in a study into the potential genes related to skin cancer as it is unfortunately quite common in my family. I had blood taken and had to answer a questionnaire about family history. I had to make the decision then as to whether I wanted to know if I had genes that carry a risk of melanoma. I chose not to and now I wish that I had found out. In fact my decision was partly decided on by my mum as she was worried I would be constantly anxious if I did have any of the genes. So I definitely think you're doing the right thing in finding the information out :).

[katematta in reply to Emmalee88]

Thank you! I've talked to a few people including one of my nurses at my dermatologists office who used to work for an oncologist and everyone's advise has helped my nerves quite a bit! Im worried now that my insurance may not cover it, but we will cross that as it comes I guess!

[DeniseHairy]

Ask your doctor to call your insurance company, or ask for the cbt code and call yourself. That way youll know if its covered.

Will knowing the genetic results make a difference i your treatment?

[katematta in reply to DeniseHairy]

Good idea! I didnt think of that!

Yes, depending on my results my oncologist will want me to start getting mammograms up to 10 years before the average age along with more screenings.

[JohnFC]

I looked into this and while I did believe that it could give some useful information my genetic counselor informed me that if I were to apply for life insurance the company could ask for the results of this testing and increase rates accordingly depending on results.

Given that I would have had to pay all testing fees and doctors visits out of pocket, my insurance considered it "experimental", and possible future expense I did not go forward. Since we had an extensive family history with cancer my oncologist and I agreed to keep an I out for any signs of familial cancers. I do not have any children, and my siblings are very proactive with prevention, so I did not see any necessity to pass on results of this information.

[isra217]

I am facing the same situation! Scheduled my genetic testing at FML medical laboratory Dubai( fml-dubai.com/genetic-scree... ), for the coming 22nd. Hope everything will be alright.