Give Us Your Feedback Give Us Your Feedback How To Use This Guide Genetic testing isn't for everyone. First, you must be at risk for an inherited disease for a genetic test to be useful for you. Decision Guide Blurb Learn The Basics Frequently Asked Questions N/A Glossary N/A What Is Genetic Testing? Doctors use genetic tests to obtain information about your health. The broadest definition of genetic testing includes all tests that are ordered to look for evidence of inherited traits or diseases. DNA, Genes And Chromosomes Did you know that at one point in your career as a human being you were just two little cells? Those first two cells divided and became four cells, and then eight cells, and so on. The Human Genome Project The U.S. Human Genome Project is a coordinated effort between the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Energy. The main goal of the project is to map (sequence and understand) the DNA in the human body, called the "human genome." Definitions Pop Up Window N/A Case Studies 'Jane' A middle-aged woman with a family history of breast cancer must decide whether to take a genetic test. 'Gale' A woman whose sister has ovarian cancer is worried about losing her insurance coverage. 'Mary' A young woman is concerned about her risk for getting cancer. She visits a genetic counselor to learn more. Colorectal Cancer

Types Of Tests Choose A Topic Breast And Ovarian Cancer Cystic Fibrosis Colorectal Cancer Alzheimer's Disease Tay-Sachs Disease Huntington's Disease Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Down Syndrome Sickle-Cell Disease Fragile X Syndrome Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Hereditary Hemochromatosis Ataxia Telangiectasia Phenylketonuria Decision Guide: Breast And Ovarian Cancer Is genetic testing right for you? Consider the many factors and issues with our interactive tool. More Decision Guides Resources National Human Genome Research Institute National Society Of Genetic Counselors Ethical, Legal And Social Issues