I’m scared for my children’s future health, and would like to seek genetic testing for the numerous cancers that run very strong through our immediate family.
I do remember the oncologist mentioning it a few years ago during our own treatment, but with everything going on at the time, I wasn’t really comprehending.
Has anyone else been through this?
Could you explain how I would go about this and what to expect?(cost/time/who to see/proceedure)
Located in QLD if that helps 🙏🏼
Kids are 5,6,17,19,21
2 Replies
Your GP is the place to start. They can refer you to the correct people in your area.
Its probable that only you and or husband needs to be tested because if you aren't carrying the gene(s) then your children won have those specific genes.
Check with your extended family about if they have had any gene testing done too. If they've been tested, that can help narrow things down. New genes are discovered from time to time, so be aware that not having the genes we know about, doesn't mean your family is in the all clear.
I don’t know if there is any private geneticists in Qld. There is a genetics building at RBWH. My son was seen by them when he was a baby, first while he was in NICU and then a follow up after he came home. My son’s paediatrician has suggested referring him back to the geneticists as genetics testing has come a long way since he was born over 16 years ago, and they may now be able to give an idea of how likely he is to pass on any of the conditions he was born with to any future children. The paediatrician did say it would be at least a 12 month wait to get an appointment, though.
Are you able to go back to the oncologist to get more info about the genetic testing they recommend? If not, go to your GP and discuss it with them. Either the oncologist or GP can send a referral. A referral from the oncologist could possibly get you classified as a higher category so you get seen sooner. Cat 1 you are supposed to be seen within 30 days, cat 2 is supposed to be 3-6 months, and cat 3 is within 12 months. In saying that, it is Qld health so those wait times don’t really mean much. My son was cat 3 for surgery and was on the waiting list nearly two years before finally getting the surgery done last year.