Genetic Testing

Many chronic diseases are inherited. At the Institute for Hormonal Balance in Arlington and Prosper, Texas, the team is dedicated to putting you in control of your health. They offer genetic testing to screen for inherited cancer. Knowing you have a gene variant that can cause certain types of cancer can help you become more proactive in managing your health. Call today or book an appointment online to learn more about genetic testing.

What is genetic testing?

Genetic testing is a diagnostic tool that looks for specific inherited genetic variants, or unusual changes in genes. A genetic variant can be harmful, beneficial, or have unknown effects.

Scientists have identified harmful genetic variants that may increase a person’s risk of certain types of cancer. Currently, there are more than 400 genes associated with cancer. Some of the inherited genes include:

Inherited breast and ovarian cancer

Mutated forms of BRCA genes can lead to breast and ovarian cancer. BRCA genes make proteins that repair DNA.

Lynch syndrome

Lynch syndrome is an inherited condition that affects one of the genes that repairs DNA. This genetic variant increases the risk of many types of cancer, including colon cancer.

Li-Fraumeni syndrome

Li-Fraumeni syndrome is a rare inherited condition that occurs from mutations in the gene that controls cell growth. 

My mom and sister had breast cancer. Should I have genetic testing?

You may want genetic testing if your mother and sister have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Having several close relatives, especially first-degree family members, with cancer suggests a genetic link. You may also want to get tested if you were diagnosed with cancer before age 50 or have several types of cancer.

You may also want to schedule genetic testing at the Institute for Hormonal Balance if you have a condition that puts you at risk of cancer, such as neurofibromatosis Type 1 (an inherited disorder that causes benign and cancerous tumors). 

If you’re unsure if you should have genetic testing, schedule a consultation at the Institute for Hormonal Balance. The genetic counselors can discuss testing and help you decide your best option.

What can I expect during genetic testing?

You can expect a comprehensive and patient-centered consultation when you visit the Institute for Hormonal Balance for genetic testing. 

The genetic counselors ask about your health concerns and review your medical history. They also ask detailed questions about your family health history.  

The counselor talks to you about genetic testing, including pros and cons of getting tested and the best test to perform. 

They do in-house lab testing for your genetic test, so you don’t have to go to another clinic for lab work. The team contacts you with the results and discusses what they mean. Knowing if you have a gene variant can help you make better-informed health care decisions. 

Call the Institute for Hormonal Balance today or schedule a consultation online.