Genetic testing for cancer looks for specific inherited changes (mutations) in a person’s genes that are associated with a high-to-moderate increased risk of cancer. And while there are certainly benefits to being tested for these mutations, it is important to understand that there are also limitations. For example, a positive result from cancer genetic testing doesn’t necessarily mean that you will develop cancer but can weigh heavily on the minds of you or your loved ones. On the other hand, a negative result doesn’t guarantee that you won’t develop cancer. At Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers, we feel that in order to make the best decision you must first weigh the pros and cons. In this section, we want to help you understand both the advantages and disadvantages of genetic testing for cancer. If genetic testing is something that interests you and you would like to learn more about it, please visit our Genetic Testing FAQs page.Some advantages, or pros, of genetic testing, include:
Some disadvantages, or risks, that come from genetic testing can include:
FAQs
What are the disadvantages of genetic testing for cancer? ›
Some disadvantages, or risks, that come from genetic testing can include: Testing may increase anxiety and stress for some individuals. Testing does not eliminate a person's risk for cancer. Results in some cases may return inconclusive or uncertain.
What are 3 cons of genetic testing? ›Some disadvantages, or risks, that come from genetic testing can include: Testing may increase your stress and anxiety. Results in some cases may return inconclusive or uncertain. Negative impact on family and personal relationships.
Is genetic testing for cancer worth it? ›For people who are already diagnosed with a cancer, results of genetic testing may help suggest the most appropriate treatments and provide information about their risk of other cancers. Genetic testing provides an opportunity for family members to learn about their own cancer risk.
Is a genetic test worth it? ›The obvious benefit of genetic testing is the chance to better understand your risk for a certain disease, such as cancer. Testing is not perfect, but it can often help you make decisions about your health.
What can go wrong with genetic testing? ›In some cases, genetic testing creates tension within a family because the results can reveal information about other family members in addition to the person who is tested. The possibility of genetic discrimination in employment or insurance is also a concern.
What is the most controversial type of genetic testing? ›The second, and perhaps most controversial, type of genetic testing is predictive testing. This includes presymptomatic and predisposition testing. In presymptomatic genetic testing, a healthy person is tested for a condition with delayed onset.
What is the average cost of genetic testing for cancer? ›These tests can cost from $300 to over $10,000, and the prices of targeted treatments are often higher than $100,000 a year. Even when health insurance covers genomic testing and treatment, cancer patients may still face large copayments or coinsurance, resulting in high out-of-pocket costs.
Can genetic testing be used against you? ›Your genetic information could also potentially be used against you in a court case. If you were to seek damages for a work-related injury, for example, a company might try to use information from your genome to point to potential other causes for your symptoms.
What is the best genetic test for cancer? ›MSK-ACCESS can help people with advanced cancer, including tumors that spread to a few areas in their body. It gives a more complete picture of the genetic changes in all tumors, not just the tumor where the cancer started. Results from MSK-ACCESS may be available more quickly than those for MSK-IMPACT.
Why shouldn't genetic testing be mandatory? ›Mandatory genetic testing might also have devastating effects on the individuals who are tested. Unlike infectious disease (which can be viewed as external to the person), genetic disease may be viewed by people as an intractable part of their nature.
What are 3 benefits of genetic testing? ›
The information gained from genetic testing may be helpful in a number of ways such as diagnosing a genetic disease, starting treatment, or initiating prevention strategies, as well as making life decisions such as career choice and family planning.
Does insurance pay for genetic testing? ›Paying for Genetic Testing. Will my insurance company pay for genetic testing? The short answer to this question is yes; most likely your insurance company will provide coverage for genetic testing. Patients with private insurance: Most private insurance companies cover the cost of genetic testing.
What is the disadvantage of cancer screening? ›Test results can sometimes indicate that something's wrong, even if your body is cancer-free. A false positive can lead to more tests—with more potential risks—as well as needless anxiety. False-negative test results can happen. Test results may be normal even though you have cancer.
What are 3 cons about genetic engineering? ›- Cross Contamination.
- Increased Weediness.
- Gene Transfer to Wild or Weedy Relatives.
- Change in Herbicide Use Patterns.
- Squandering of Valuable Pest Susceptibility Genes.
- Poisoned Wildlife.
- Creation of New or Worse Viruses.
Two of the most controversial ethical issues surrounding genetic testing for cancer predisposition are: (i) whether or not individuals have a responsibility to acquire genetic knowledge and to share positive results with family or community members at risk [61]; (ii) whether or not health professionals have a ...
What are the risks of gene therapy for cancer? ›Potential risks could include certain types of cancer, allergic reactions, or damage to organs or tissues if an injection is involved. Recent advances have made genetic therapies much safer.