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GAMBLING, SPIDERMAN, AND GANDALF THE WIZARD

Let’s talk genetics. No. I’m not gonna talk about some weirdo mutant genetic testing on MONKEYS that makes them revolt against San Francisco. I’m talking about Genetic Testing for Cancer. This is super serious.

The Concerned Bloggers Association has been doing a lot work about self exams, prostate tests, mammograms and everything that is cancer screening related. Genetic Testing is like the BIG MAMMA of cancer screening, but it comes at a price. There is nothing easy about knowing whether you have the gene or not, like Spiderman, with great power comes great responsibility.

First things First.
There are different genes for different types of cancer. So, if you are thinking of doing the more “well-known” testing of BRCA1 and BRCA2 (the breast cancer gene), just know that doesn’t clear you of other types of cancer. AND, even if you don’t have the gene – you MAY still get breast cancer. Having the gene only majorly increases the probability of getting breast cancer. It’s like the worst casino game in the world. Even if the odds are in your favor, the house still wins.

Criteria for Testing.
Here’s the rough list of conditions that would flag you for being a candidate:

1. Family history of cancer: Three or more relatives on the same side of the family with the same or related forms of cancer
2. Early onset: Two or more relatives diagnosed with cance (Read more...)

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