Limitations of genetic testing

Technical constraints can affect the results of the genetic tests. A potential problem lies in the fact that not all mutations causing hereditary cancer have been identified.

While the international research community has described mutations that increase and others that do not affect disease risk, a new patient can carry a genetic change never seen before, and, as such, with unknown effect on cancer risk.

In that case, the test result will be inconclusive.

If a diagnostic test cannot be done or is inconclusive, the result is the same as a negative result:

• This means that the genetic origin of a family cancer remains uncertain.

Although in this case specific preventive measures for the cancer in question cannot be put in place, your family will always be placed under a regular surveillance program.