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Tracy62's avatar
Tracy62
Member
12 years ago

Genetic testing - Continued

Received all the paperwork in relation to genetic testing (a number of good trees had to die for that). Took a bit of time to gather all the info needed and post it back. Just to provide an insight for others who may be looking into genetic testing I thought I would include the sort of stuff they ask for -

But to begin - it is generally done through the public health system and costs you nothing (though there are private clinics who also do it - at a cost $$$$$). You simply need to see your GP and get them to do a referral and post or fax it in (if they feel it is appropriate for you and your own situation).

I am in Queensland so not sure if the process differs between states - would expect if it is all through the public health system it should all be the same - but one can never be sure -

I found it helpful to find the website on it, read the info myself (helps answer a lot of questions regarding the issue). There should be an enquiries number to call, do so and have a chat to a counsellor there regarding the process. Be clear on why you want it done and what you want to get from it. For me, I have had 3 unrelated cancers myself, dad was adopted and we have no info about his side of the family tree, there is a history of one off cancers on mum's side and genetic testing was also recommended for me to have done by 3 specialists I still see - they were questioning if I had a gene mutation which wasn't recognising abnormal cells and hence they were more likely to turn into cancers.

I downloaded the referral form from the site and took it to my GP who had a chat with me then filled it in and faxed it off.

I have received back paperwork, including completing info on my own cancer experiences (types, dates of diagnosis, hospitals, treatmetns/surgery) and permission forms to collect medical info on my own cases. I also had to complete a cancer family tree - names, dates of birth, death if they have passed away, if their death was directly related to the cancer, types of cancer, dates of diagnosis, hospital/s where they had treatment, types of treatment/surgery they had, their relationship to me.

I also had to provide the same info for my partner, his parents and any siblings as well as for our own children. Part of this is because I had told the GP that I was also concerned what it may mean for my sons (no daughters) and any future generations (one son and partner planning on kids in next couple of years).

It took a while to collect all of this but it was then posted off. I am now waiting to hear back regarding an appointment date. Will update when I have more info to add.

I hope anyone else going through something like this has it as easily as I seem to finding the process for getting it done. Having already gone through cancer is bad enough but nobody should then have to have further stress if they are trying to have genetic testing done. I do realise it would put an unrealistic strain on the health system if everyone had it done - hence the great info on the website to see if it right or appropriate for you and your own situation.  

3 Replies

  • hotlyn's avatar
    hotlyn
    Member
    12 years ago
    Hi Kate, I'm the same as Donna, done through Monash . I found getting all the info somewhat difficult. My mother was abandoned as a baby and although she has tracked down siblings most are now deceased. My dad and his only living sibling both died last year, so getting their family history took awhile . My aunt had breast then bowel cancer but lived till 96 ! My oncologist refers everyone who has stage 3 triple neg which I did. I don't expect for it to be taken any further but my concern is my adult daughters and grandchildren as cancers run in their fathers family , so I don't know what will happen in that case. At the moment I make sure they have their mammograms each year as a first step. Lynne x
  • mgndam1603's avatar
    mgndam1603
    Member
    12 years ago

    I had genetic testing done in Melbourne at Monash and I think it was very similar, though I was referred by 2 specialists they rushed my through. I found getting all the information on family members was hard, my parents have both passed and my aunts and uncles are in their late 70's and early 80's, their memories differ on who had what.

    When all my information was in and I got my appointment I met with 2 councilors for about an hour were they questioned me on what I wanted out of the testing, what my thoughts were on if I was positive, my family everything. Then they sent me for a blood test and that was it a week later Iw as back seeing the same councilors they gave me my results and I was done.

    As I don't carry the BRACA gene buit have such a strong family history they deemed my family to be high risk and contacted my daughter to discuss options for her on MRI's etc.

    Donna

  • mgndam1603's avatar
    mgndam1603
    Member
    12 years ago

    I had genetic testing done in Melbourne at Monash and I think it was very similar, though I was referred by 2 specialists they rushed my through. I found getting all the information on family members was hard, my parents have both passed and my aunts and uncles are in their late 70's and early 80's, their memories differ on who had what.

    When all my information was in and I got my appointment I met with 2 councilors for about an hour were they questioned me on what I wanted out of the testing, what my thoughts were on if I was positive, my family everything. Then they sent me for a blood test and that was it a week later Iw as back seeing the same councilors they gave me my results and I was done.

    As I don't carry the BRACA gene buit have such a strong family history they deemed my family to be high risk and contacted my daughter to discuss options for her on MRI's etc.

    Donna