Question 392 of 433
Should I have my genes tested?
The short answer
Targeted testing is valuable when your family history suggests an inherited risk. Broad consumer tests are less useful and can mislead.
Some findings change care dramatically: BRCA and related genes for breast, ovarian, and prostate cancer; Lynch syndrome for colon cancer; and familial hypercholesterolemia, an inherited high cholesterol that affects about 1 in 250 people and is usually undiagnosed. If close relatives had cancer or heart disease young, ask for a genetics referral.
Consumer tests check only a few variants, so a “negative” result can be falsely reassuring. Before you test, also consider privacy and how you will feel about what you learn.
“This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship.” From the book’s medical disclaimer. Full disclaimer
GUIDELINE-BASED — Selected inherited-risk patients: targeted genetics can change care; consumer panels can miss variants.Evidence grade (draft mapping)GGuideline-based / consensusPart 27, Q392 · Part sources
From Longevity Unmasked by Afshine Ash Emrani, MD, FACC. Medical disclaimer. This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship. Nothing here is meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Medicine is personal: a test, drug, supplement, or exercise plan that helps one person can harm another. Do not start, stop, or change any medication or treatment because of something you read in these pages. Talk with a licensed clinician who knows your history first. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911. The author disclaims responsibility for any loss or harm arising from use of the information in this book.