Genetic testing ?

I recently lost one paternal aunt to ovarian cancer. My paternal family history is riddled with cancer. One aunt and one uncle died of pancreatic cancer; one uncle has colon cancer in remission, my father has prostate cancer in remission, one aunt being told tomorrow what her blood work with red flags shows and another uncle who has not gone back to get his results. I discussed having genetic testing done with my NPA and she did not recommend it. What should I do? I'm very concerned. I have had a tubal ligation and a uterine ablation.I'm so glad to have found this forum!!

[gah_70]

The answer to your question is a complicated one.  Genetics testing is a great thing on some levels, but no matter the outcome, it cannot guarantee if you'll get cancer, or not. Less than 10% of all cancers are hereditary, even if it seems you have lots of relatives who have it in one form or another.  Since you posted your question on the ovarian cancer forum, I assume you are most interested in BRCA 1 and 2 testing.  When deciding whether to test someone, a genetics counselor will sit with you and do a "family tree" to get a more clear picture on which members of your family have cancer, and what type it is.  If you have not been diagnosed, they will usually look for first line relatives (parents, siblings, children) who may have had it.  Anyone beyond those relatives (aunts, uncles, grandparents, etc.) do not usually throw up a red flag.  Another obstacle is the cost.  Most insurance companies will not pay for it if there is not at least a first line relative who has breast or ovarian cancer.  Some insurance companies won't pay for it at all.  The cost can run more than $1000 in some cases, and that's quite a bit for most people to come up with out-of-pocket.  Lastly, if you do decide you want to do it, be sure to go to a reputable genetics counseling center.  There is much more to it than just getting a simple "yes" or "no".  You would need to speak with a counselor who can help you understand what those results actually mean for you and your risk.  They can also help you decide whether it would actually be a benefit to do it at all.  

Good luck.

Gail