Do you have a family history of cancer? Have you wondered about your own chances of getting it?
Although not all cancers have a genetic link, certain types of cancer are more likely to occur if you have them in your family. Genetic testing can tell you more about your risk of hereditary cancers.
Here at Associates in Women’s Health in Cincinnati, Ohio, we offer the Myriad myRISK™ hereditary cancer test. Read on to learn more about whether genetic testing for cancer is right for you.
Cancer is a condition in which cells in your body divide and spread abnormally. Although we refer to cancer in the singular, it isn’t just one disease. In fact, there are more than 100 types of cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Some types of cancer appear to develop because of environmental factors. For example, smoking raises lung cancer risk. However, some kinds of cancer are linked to the genes we inherit from our parents.
The myRISK hereditary cancer test is one of the most comprehensive risk detectors available for genetic testing. Using a 25-gene panel, myRISK can accurately identify genetic risk factors for eight types of cancer, including:
After having genetic testing with myRISK, you receive a report with a personal cancer risk assessment that delineates your chances of developing each of the eight cancers for which it tests.
You also receive a personalized cancer risk management guide with clear recommendations for the steps you can take to lower your risk of cancer, even if you have an elevated risk because of genetic findings.
Identifying genetic risks provides information that you and your health care providers can use to make smart choices about your approach to cancer risk reduction.
For example, if testing shows an increased risk of breast cancer, you can focus on modifiable risk factors that can reduce breast cancer risk, such as managing your weight, increasing your exercise, and reducing your alcohol intake.
Other options for women with a high risk of breast cancer include taking medication, receiving close observation and frequent screening, and having preventive surgery.
Before or after testing, you may choose to meet with a genetic counselor who can explain cancer risks in detail and answer any questions you may have about protecting your health and addressing risk factors.
At Associates in Women’s Health, our team of care providers is committed to helping you stay as healthy as possible. Whether you need a checkup, screening, diagnostic testing, or genetic testing for cancer, we’re here to help.
To schedule a consultation with our medical team regarding genetic testing for cancer, call our office to schedule a visit, or request an appointment today.
