(HealthDay News) -- Genetic testing for cancer involves looking at specific genes which, when deemed abnormal, increase the likelihood that a person will develop cancer.
Genes have not been discovered for all types of cancer, and the majority of genetic testing applies only to a small percentage of people with cancer in the family -- about 5 percent to 10 percent.
This type of testing does not predict for certain who will develop cancer, but indicates those who are at greater risk.
Before a person considers genetic testing, CancerCare advises they have a family risk assessment to: