What Are the Implications of Testing Positive for an Inherited Mutation?
Testing positive for an inherited genetic mutation has several implications:
1. Increased Cancer Surveillance: Individuals may undergo more frequent screening tests, such as mammograms, MRIs, or colonoscopies, to detect cancer early. 2. Preventive Measures: Some may opt for preventive surgeries, like mastectomy or oophorectomy, to reduce cancer risk. 3. Family Planning: Knowing one's genetic risk can influence family planning decisions, including the consideration of preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) during in vitro fertilization (IVF). 4. Lifestyle Modifications: Individuals may make lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, to mitigate their cancer risk.
