Genetic Testing
What is Genetic Testing?
Genetic testing is a type of laboratory test that identifies changes in DNA that may be used to identify increased risks of developing certain cancers, help physicians make recommendations on treatments, and give people more information for making decisions about their and their family’s health, allowing them to take steps to lower their chance of developing a disease. If appropriate, patients will be offered this testing, which they may elect or decline.
Manatee Diagnostic Center offers a high risk screening questionnaire for genetic testing at the time patients have their mammograms. Information will be provided with the questionnaire that includes a description of hereditary cancer, the value of screening, early detection and other relevant information.
If appropriate, patients will be offered a saliva genetic test which they may elect or decline. The test is simple, non-intrusive and can be performed at our centers. No prep is needed. Most insurance companies pay 100% of the cost and there is a financial assistance program for those who qualify.
Genetic testing is recommended for patients that may be at elevated risk of developing cancer in the following sites:
- Breast
- Ovarian
- Colon
- Gastric
- Pancreatic
- Melanoma
- Prostate
- Endometrial
Our Nurse Navigator will receive the results and she will forward this information to your physician’s office with any further medical management and care.
If you have questions about genetic testing, please contact Jenny Brown RN, BSN, OCN, Nurse Navigator at 941-708-8330.