Health Information
Colon Cancer Genetic Testing
What Do the Results Mean?
Colon cancer genetic testing is a blood test that looks for the changed (mutated) genes that cause colon cancer. Although most people who get colon cancer do not have one of these mutated genes, having them greatly increases your chance of getting colon cancer.
A positive result means that you may have one of the changed genes that causes FAP or HNPCC. It also means that, without treatment, your chances of getting colon cancer are very high.
If you have a positive result, you will be able to take action that may help you and your family members live longer. This includes starting screening at a younger age and having screening tests more often.
A negative result means that none of these genes were found in your blood sample.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference August 27, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Reference Kenneth Bark, MD - Surgery, Colon and Rectal |
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