Family history of cancer means having at least 1 person diagnosed with cancer in the first, second, or third degree of family relationships. If you have a family history of cancer, you can also consult with a specialist for genetic testing.
First-degree family: parents, siblings, children
Second-degree relatives: grandparents, parents' siblings, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and half-siblings.
Tertiary family relationships: great-grandparents, great-grandchildren, cousins.
Hereditary cancers are cancers that are caused by specific gene mutations. Hereditary cancers have the following characteristics: developing cancer at a young age, being diagnosed with more than one type of cancer, being a rare cancer, and having family members with these same cancer.
You don't have to be a cancer patient to undergo genetic testing. However, given the cost and efficiency of testing, it is recommended that you only get tested if you suspect you have a hereditary cancer or have a family history of cancer. If you have a family member who has been diagnosed with cancer, they should be tested first, and if that's not possible, you can get tested after consulting a specialist. Depending on the test, you may pay a 5% or 50% co-payment if it's covered, or 100% co-payment if it's deemed necessary after a consultation even if you don't have cancer.