What to ask your doctor about testing for cancer genes

Here are some questions you might like to ask your doctor or genetic counsellor about testing for cancer genes : 

• What are the advantages and disadvantages to having genetic testing?
• How do you do the test?
• What is genetic counselling?
• When will I get the results of the test?
• If you don't find a faulty gene what does it mean?
• What happens if you find a faulty gene?
• What is my risk of developing cancer?
• What is the risk to my family and do they need testing?
• Can you help me talk to my family?
• What is screening and can I have it?
• What does screening involve?
• How often will I be screened?
• Is there something I can do to lower my risk of developing cancer such as treatment for example?
• What preventative treatment is available?
• How much will preventative treatment reduce my risk of developing cancer?
• What does the treatment involve?
• What are the immediate and long term side effects of treatment?
• When should I have treatment?
• Will the treatment affect my fertility?
• Can I time any treatment so that I can have a family?
• Are there any support groups available?
• Does it cost me anything to have genetic tests?
• If I can't have genetic test what is the reason?
• Can I go elsewhere to get genetic tests?
• Who does the genetic test and where is it done? 

You could print them out and add any other questions that you might have.