Decision Checklists & Tip Sheets

This tool allows you to create customized documents to help you make informed medical decisions and prepare for surgeries or procedures.

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Directions

STEP 1

Select a Decision Checklist or Tip Sheet. You can type in the box to filter the list.

STEP 2

Click a topic to choose questions/tips or select "Check all in this topic."

STEP 3

Click the “Save checklist” button. Only the tips or questions you select will be saved on your downloaded version

STEP 4

Click "Download" to save or print your checklist. Note: Checklists won't be saved after closing the page.

Select a checklist or tip sheet (Type to filter)

Checklist: When to Consider Repeat Genetic Testing

People who had genetic testing in the past often ask if they should have repeat genetic testing. Genetic testing has improved over the years and labs are able to find mutations that were previously missed through older testing methods. This checklist will help you decide if you should consider repeat genetic testing. Review each indication below. If you had genetic testing in the past and any of the following applies, talk to your doctor about additional genetic counseling and testing.

When to consider repeat genetic testing

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If you had genetic testing in the past and any of the following applies, talk to your doctor about additional genetic counseling and testing.

Questions for your doctor or genetic counselor

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Here is a list of commonly asked questions you may ask your medical provider, insurance company and/or genetic counselor about repeat genetic testing.

Additional Information

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Steps for repeat genetic testing

  • Update your family health history if you or your blood relatives have been diagnosed with cancer since you last had genetic testing.
  • Speak with a genetics expert. They can help you make an informed decision about repeat genetic testing, order the appropriate test, help to obtain insurance coverage or help find low-cost testing.
  • Once your test is ordered, a saliva or blood sample will be sent to the lab for genetic testing.
  • You should receive your results in 2-6 weeks. Quicker testing may be available for people who need results sooner in order to make treatment decisions.
  • Speak with a genetics expert after genetic testing for post-test counseling. They will explain what your results mean for you and your family and outline any medical options.

Insurance coverage and paying for genetic testing

  • If your last genetic test was performed before 2014, your health insurers may cover genetic counseling and repeat testing with low or no out-of-pocket costs.
  • If your health plan does not cover the full cost of testing, or you do not have health insurance, you may be able to receive testing from a reputable lab for $350 or less.
  • Many laboratories and some nonprofit organizations offer financial assistance or low-cost testing options for people experiencing financial hardship. Visit:https://bit.ly/force-paying-for-testingfor more information.

Next steps for people who test positive for a mutation

  • After testing, a genetics expert will explain the meaning of your results and your medical options.
  • Many genes associated with hereditary cancer have expert guidelines for treating cancer or managing risk. If you test positive for a mutation, it's important to know the guidelines for your gene. Visit: bit.ly/force-genes for gene-based guidelines.
  • Blood relatives, even distant ones, may share the same mutation that runs in a family. It is important to communicate with as many relatives as you can about cancer in the family. Visit FORCE's page on sharing information with relatives:bit.ly/force-family-sharing.

Resources

 

Types of documents you can create:

Decision Checklists

When making medical decisions, it’s important to gather reliable information from your healthcare team. Asking questions and discussing benefits and risks with your healthcare team can help you choose the options that align with your values, lifestyle, and long-term goals.

Tip Sheets

Preparing for surgery can be stressful. We have compiled tips that will help you prepare for common surgeries and procedures that may be part of your hereditary cancer care.

Additional Resources

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