Genetic panel for inherited bowel cancer
Lynch syndrome test · hereditary colon cancer test · colorectal cancer gene panel · genetic panel
This blood or saliva test checks several genes at once. Changes in them can run in families and raise the risk of bowel cancer.
If several relatives had bowel, uterine, or stomach cancer, or someone got it young, or if you have many polyps in your bowel.
⏱ Duration: the blood draw usually takes 5 minutes; results usually come in 2 to 4 weeks
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Counseling. It is best to talk with a geneticist before the test: which genes will be checked and what the result means.
- Food. You usually do not need to fast. Check with the lab.
- Documents. Gather your colonoscopy and biopsy reports, if you have them.
What to bring
- Your referral
- Your ID
- The list of relatives with cancer
- Colonoscopy and biopsy reports
How it goes
- You sit down and rest your arm on the armrest
- The skin is wiped with antiseptic
- Blood is taken from a vein into a tube
- Sometimes saliva is collected instead of blood
- The sample is sent to a genetics lab
What you'll feel
- A quick prick, like a normal blood test
- Sometimes slight dizziness. Tell the nurse, and they will help you lie down
Afterwards
- Results usually come in 2 to 4 weeks
- Go over the result with a geneticist
- If a change is found, colonoscopy is usually done earlier and more often. Your doctor will give you a schedule
- Relatives may be offered a test for the same gene
Common questions
Why do this test if I already have colonoscopies?
The result shows how often you need a colonoscopy and what other organs to check. It also helps your relatives.
What does variant of uncertain significance mean?
A change was found, but it is not yet known if it is harmful. Decisions are usually not based on it. The doctor watches for new findings.