Genetic Testing?

[lakeswim]

The genetic counselor I spoke to is through my hospital/cancer center. And apparently my insurance will pay for it (very pricey, she said) as I'm considered young - so it would be through insurance. Lastly, she told me that going through private companies (though she didn't tell me which companies - I assume she's talking about the ones advertised on TV) means your genetic material can be cataloged and used otherwise. This is such a daunting topic for me - esp since I have other - more pressing - things to research (radiation and surgery coming up) and since my oncologist said nothing to me about it so it doesn't seem to affect my treatment (I will ask). The genetic counselor just approached me during infusion.

Thanks for the feedback.

[rtcasper]

Hi Lakeswim. I went ahead and opted into the genetic testing. I, also was told insurance usually pays for it,and that the most that I would likely pay is 100 out of pocket. They gave me a calling card to get ahold of the company doing the testing if, for some reason insurance didn't pay, or I was asked to pay more than the 100. I just felt it was worth it, just to know if there's some link somewhere, or to help my kids or someone else down the road. Just offering up my two cents.

Ryan

[lakeswim]

Thanks, Ryan. I directly asked my oncologist (because he had never discussed it with me) via email and he (actually) responded (instead of his PA) that he highly recommends it. The striking thing was that he said the "results could affect my treatment - particularly the type of surgery I have." Hmmm. My husband and I find it odd that, if it is this important, my team hadn't mentioned it otherwise (just the random during-infusion visit from the genetics person - which just seemed like a one-off). So, I'm glad I asked and he responded directly. I have no doubt it will help me - just still very unclear on how it could possibly affect my (minor) kids someday. Guess I'm calling tomorrow and setting this up. Thanks for your feedback!

[Caat55]

My genetics counselor said my cancer is a preexisting condition so I am covetable. A genetic predisposition is not the same and it could make getting health insurance impossible. I decided against it. Insurance is to risky. I will just have my kids to screenings at a younger age, her recommendation and oncologist as well. There is a company called Colors or something like that which is private and only I would know results unless I shared them with doctors.
S

[lakeswim]

I am so on the fence. If I went with a private company (which I'd have to find), I guess you wouldn't want insurance to know - and therefore they wouldn't pay for it. I also feel like the counselor told me that private companies don't offer as thorough testing. Another big thing to ponder/research.

[rp1954]

I think you're overanalyzing a problem that is likely beyond your control, now or in the future.

1. Life insurance wise for your kids, they already get a downcheck for you being under 60, since long ago. I doubt any honest actuarial system can justify much beyond that for all but the most lethal traits that you probably don't have.
2. A fair amount of genetic problems relate to nutrigenomics. There are lot of medical risks and problems that have natural biochemistry answers that are nutritional therapeutics and lifestyle in nature. If anybody translates the scientific literature accurately into practice, without various biases...
3. I'm a little bit of a fatalist. If various corporations or other institutions don't already have it when they want it, they will get it soon enough. Not that you can't try, but any good plan factors in a substantial probability that they have their way(s).
4. The advances in nutrition, lifestyle and medicine will hopeully make many risks today as low as many 18th-19th century diseases are today.