#Tell me your story full#
#Tell me your story series#

It's important to follow up with your physician about the results of your test to discuss what management and screening plan is right for you.Д«efore getting genetic testing, Eble recommends that patients review the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, which protects people from discrimination in health insurance and employment due to their genetics, to learn how their information can and cannot be used by others.'CBS ALL ACCESS' ANNOUNCES NEW SERIES ORDER FOR PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER вЂњTELL ME A STORYвЂќ - Nov. A genetics provider will review the results of the test with you and discuss what it means for your health. If family history indicates a need for genetic testing, patients can provide a genetic sample either through a blood draw or mouth swab.

But remember that different people have different levels of comfort when talking about their family history.' 'There's usually someone in the family who has that information and can share. 'Family gatherings can be a good time to start the conversation about family history,' Eble said. Surgeon General and the National Human Genome Research Institute, can help build a family tree of medical history that can be shared with your physician or a genetic counselor. Online tools like My Family Health Portrait, developed by the U.S.

#Tell me your story full#

She encourages patients to speak with family members ahead of an appointment with a genetic counselor to get a full understanding of the family medical history. 'If the sisters are young, I might still be concerned because they might still develop cancer.'Дo your medical history homework with your family 'If you come because your paternal grandmother had breast cancer and your father has six sisters, I might be reassured about a hereditary cancer syndrome if all those sisters are now in their 80s with no cancer,' Eble said.

We may want to test specifically for that variant.'Д®ble says some patients are surprised to learn that information about healthy individuals can be helpful too. When a variant was identified, it's helpful to know the exact change in the gene and whether it is a known pathogenic variant or an unknown variant. 'Bring a family member's genetic test report if you have it. 'It's helpful to come prepared to answer questions about the types of cancers and ages of diagnosis in your family,' said Eble, associate professor of molecular and human genetics at Baylor. Eble asks her patients for a four-generation family history to draw a pedigree and illustrate cancer risk. If you have a concern about hereditary cancer, Eble advises seeing a genetic counselor or medical geneticist to better understand your risk and find out whether genetic testing might be right for you or your family.

Multiple generations of family members impacted by the same type of cancer or specific constellations of cancer.

Multiple primary cancers in a single family member.

Rare cancers like ovarian or pancreatic cancer and cancers in a less commonly affected gender-for example, breast cancer in men.

Cancer diagnosed at an early age-for example, breast cancer diagnosed before menopause.

According to Eble, there can be red flags for hereditary cancer in an individual's personal or family history: