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Any reason to not have genetic testing?

Page last modified on: August 26, 2008
Question from Bella: Are there good reasons for NOT having genetic testing when there is a family history? Are there instances when you might advise not to be tested?
Answers —Carol Cherry, M.S.N., R.N., A.P.R.N., B.C.: Again, it's a very personal decision that should be made after looking at all the risks, benefits, and limitations. In my experience, we do not typically advise against it.
Terri McHugh, M.D.: Most centers have support networks which patients can have access to a social worker or be connected with services such as Facing Our Risk.
Carol Cherry, M.S.N., R.N., A.P.R.N., B.C.: It is important that the person being tested provide informed consent, so if there is a physical or emotional or educational reason why the person does not understand the process it would be not advised to proceed with the testing.

On Wednesday, March 19, 2008, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Breast Cancer Risk and Your Family. Carol Cherry, M.S.N., R.N., A.P.R.N., B.C. and Terri McHugh, M.D. answered your questions about how family genes affect risk, pros and cons of genetic testing, and ways to lower your breast cancer risk.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Carol Cherry, M.S.N., R.N., A.P.R.N., B.C.Carol Cherry, M.S.N, R.N., A.P.R.N, B.C. is health educator, Research Project Manager, and Cancer Risk Counselor in the Margaret Dyson Family Risk Assessment Program at the Fox Chase Cancer Center in Pennsylvania.

Terri McHugh, M.D. is a medical oncologist/hematologist and director of the Cancer Risk Assessment and Genetics program.

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