HealthWise KnowledgeBase
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 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:
- Reference Breast cancer Opens New Window and Reference ovarian cancer Opens New Window (Reference BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 testing).
- Reference Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) Opens New Window, which causes abnormal growths inside the colon and increases your risk of Reference colorectal cancer Opens New Window.
- Reference Huntington's disease Opens New Window, a rare disease that causes premature, severe deterioration of the brain.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference November 3, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Reference Siobhan M. Dolan, MD, MPH - Reproductive Genetics |
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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
