Home > Prevention & Risk Assessment > Genetics > Prostate Cancer Genetics Project > Spring, 2004 Newsletter

Why We Do Not Advise Families About What We Find

Participants may sometimes wonder why we cannot tell them the specific results from our genetic research studies. We are unable to provide participants with individual results because our laboratory is focused on analyzing family and genetic data with the purpose of advancing our scientific understanding of prostate cancer genes rather than providing individual results.

The genes for hereditary prostate cancer have not been discovered. However, when that discovery is made, our project will inform all participants who have indicated an interest in results that they may pursue genetic testing from an accredited facility if they so choose. In the meantime, if you have concerns about yours or your family's genetic vulnerability regarding specific cancers, we suggest you seek genetic counseling from an approved genetic clinic. Genetic counselors are qualified to analyze and discuss what your risk may be for cancers for which a hereditary gene has been uncovered.

See Also:

• Make a Donation to the Prostate Cancer Genetics Project
• Urologic Cancers
• UMCCC Clinical Trials

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University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center
1500 East Medical Center Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48109

© 2008 Regents of the University of Michigan / Developed & maintained by: Public Relations & Marketing Communications. Contact Us or UMHS. The information presented is not a tool for self diagnosis or a substitute for professional care.