HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Colon Cancer Genetic Testing
Should I Be Tested?
The decision to be tested for genetic colon cancer is personal. You may have emotional, financial, and family reasons for taking or not taking the test. Also, there is the possibility that if you do test positive, you may have difficulty getting life insurance, long-term care insurance, or disability insurance.
You might choose to be tested because:
- You have a family history of colon cancer. This means you have a parent, brother, sister, or child who has colon cancer, FAP, or HNPCC and they have tested positive for the abnormal gene.
- You have a personal history of more than 20 colon polyps, especially at a young age.
- You have received Reference genetic counseling Opens New Window, understand the risks and benefits of testing, and feel that the benefits outweigh the risks. A Reference genetic counselor Opens New Window can help you make well-informed decisions.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference August 27, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Reference Kenneth Bark, MD - Surgery, Colon and Rectal |
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