DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer two months ago. My oncologist recommended that I undergo genetic testing as part of the treatment plan. Why is this recommended since I already have cancer? What is the benefit of testing? And what information will it provide?
ANSWER: Genetic counseling can be an important part of a cancer journey. A genetic test looks for specific harmful gene changes, called mutations or pathogenic variants, that can cause someone to develop a genetic condition. Gene changes are like spelling errors within the body's instruction manual.
Most genetic tests look for changes in a group of genes called a panel. However, testing may look for changes in a single gene when there is a known genetic mutation in your family. The most common genes typically thought of related to cancer risk are BRCA1 and BRCA2. These genes are associated with breast and ovarian cancer. It is known that changes in other genes can increase risk for these cancers, as well.
