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Colon Cancer/genetic markers

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Expert: - 8/17/2006


Question
I have a very strong history in my family for Breast,ovarian and especially colon cancer. My GI doctor recommends getting a blood test for genetic markers. He thinks my siblings should also be tested. My mother and brother died from colon cancer,my sister was treated for colon cancer, my other sister died from ovarian cancer, my other sister is a breast cancer surviver and my other brother died of jaw cancer. I am the youngest of 9 children, of the 9 ,6 are alive. I was also told if you get the genetic marker done and you carry the gene your  health insurance company may drop you. What do you think? Thanks

Answer
I'm a Swede, living in Sweden. I have no idea with regards to what U.S. insurance compnies' policies may be on this point. All such genes are not yet known and can therefore not yet be determined in your case, but I still think it may be a good idea if it will not harm your insurance situation. You will have to talk to your dr. about that!

Colon Cancer

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Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D.

Expertise

I`m a doctor of medicine and a specialist in radiation therapy and medical oncology. I have long experience with regards to this cancer.

Experience

I'm a Doctor of Medicine and specialist in Medical Oncology and Radiation Therapy educated & trained in Sweden. Now retired. Background in Radiation Therapy, Medical Oncology, Radiation Protection, Nuclear Medicine, Diagnostic Radiology, Gynecological Oncology, Clinical Pathology, Clinical Cytology,Hematology and Internal Medicine. M.D. from the faculty of medicine, Royal Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. Have also been an exchange student at the Hebrew University, Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem Israel. Former medical consultant, Swedish National Board of Radiation Protection. Former Police Surgeon and Medical Examiner, Stockholm Police Department. Former Chief Medical Officer, The Royal Guards, The Royal Horse Guards and the Royal Household Brigade, Royal Swedish Army Medical Corps. You can also reach me on: http://www.lifestylerescue.com/expert/health-fitness-advice/dr-claes-gustaf/128 I have no restrictions on the number of questions there.

I also answer questions in these categories: Oncology (General Cancer), General History, Military History, Brain Tumors, Breast Cancer.

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I'm a medical doctor and a specialist in medical oncology & radiation therapy.

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