Genetic testing
[QUOTE=MartinSE;2128016]Now that I am in my 70's things are starting to wear out and some of those clubs I paid dues into all my life are starting to pay dividends (smoking 2 packs of non-filter Pall Mall's a day for 45 years - approximately $98,000 not counting interest) like the membership in the "I got cancer" club...
I have been pondering lately if it would have made any difference if my parents and grandparents had ever discussed how their health was and how it was impacting their quality of life. My family considered any discussion of health taboo, off limits - those dark little secrets not to be discussed.
Since I retired I have encouraged my children (7 kids - almost countless grand and great-grand kids) to ask questions and openly discuss health issues.
What is everyones opinion.
Do you openly discuss growing older with your kids - not preaching, just openly discussing it.[/QUOTE]
I’m trying to decide. There is a lot of cancer in my family. For years, doctors have been asking me about genetic testing. We all know we have a strong chance of getting cancer in my family. It’s starting to hit my generation now. A first cousin has bladder cancer. Most of us are vigilant and have started early screenings for various cancers. I don’t understand what genetic testing will do. I had blood drawn for tumor markers. They all came back negative. I do have CLL and see my oncologist every 6 months. I have a colonoscopy ever 3 years. I guess genetic testing would tell me definitively that I have the genes for certain cancers. What would I then do any differently? Maybe my doctors would treat me more aggressively when something comes up rather than with a wait and see attitude? They tell me my kids would benefit. If my blood tumor markers are negative ( which they were) and my gene tests are negative, it ends with me. My kids don’t have to worry and get tested beyond normal screenings that everyone should have at certain ages. Comments? Opinions? I’d appreciate them.
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