Genetic Screening
Genetic testing is the process of analysing a person’s genetic material. It is performed to look for genetic changes that may help to explain a person’s health problems.
Genetic testing is often performed on a blood sample. Skin, saliva or other tissue types may sometimes be used.
A person may undergo genetic testing for one or more of the following reasons:
- Search for a genetic diagnosis
- Improve the management of a person’s condition
- Determine the best approach to their medical care
- Provide information about the chances of having another child with the same condition
There are different types of genetic tests available. Depending on your or your child’s condition, the doctor will discuss the appropriate test(s) with you and your family.
Even though there are cases where cancer appears to “run in the family”, it is important to note that a positive result of a hereditary cancer screening test does not mean that one would necessarily develop cancer, neither does a negative result mean that a person is immune to cancer.
