At the appropriate time, when you visit your doctor, bring up gene sequencing. If you have cancer, it will provide data that may help you now or in the future. If you are healthy, it may give you valuable information.

Many doctors may face obstacles of time, training and what to do with the information generated with gene sequencing results. Be your own advocate because in time these barriers will be eliminated.

Some patients have concerns about privacy and discrimination. To address this The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (GINA) was passed by congress. It helps prevent health insurers from discriminating against you based on test results. Under GINA, employment discrimination based on genetic risk also is illegal. Check with your state for additional protections. However, this act does not cover life insurance, long term care insurance or disability insurance. GINA does not apply when an employer has fewer than 15 employees. It does not cover people in the U.S. military or those receiving health benefits through the Veterans Health Administration or Indian Health Service.

Please note that the members and/or staff at both Cancer Beast LLC and cancerbeast.com are not medical professionals nor legal experts and cannot give medical or legal advice. Always check with your medical provider and attorney before you make these decisions.