When your genetics test results are ready someone from your healthcare team usually meets with you to give you your results. For example, a doctor, nurse or genetic counsellor - a specialist who can give you information about genetic testing and results.
This may be in person, by phone or an online meeting. You can talk to your healthcare team about what suits best.
They usually do this even if your test results show you do not have Lynch syndrome.
Genetic tests results take a few weeks. If there are any delays your healthcare team will contact you to let you know.
What your test results mean
Your Lynch syndrome test results will show if:
- a gene change that causes Lynch syndrome was found
- a gene change that causes Lynch syndrome was not found
- another type of gene change was found
Test results and your family
You may have many questions about what the results mean for you and your family.
If you find out you have Lynch syndrome your healthcare team will encourage you to tell your family.
They will give you advice on how to do this.
They may share your test results with your family or other healthcare teams - but only if they have your consent. For example, it may help them understand if a family member is at risk of having Lynch syndrome.
How to tell your family, and other supports if you have Lynch syndrome
Talking to children about Lynch syndrome
Understanding your risk of specific cancers
The genes that can be affected in Lynch syndrome are:
- MLH1
- MSH2
- MSH6
- PMS2
- EPCAM
A gene change in any of these can be linked to the increased risk of getting certain types of cancer. Ask your healthcare team to explain this to you. They can help you estimate your risk and give you advice on ways to reduce your risk of specific cancers.
Websites to help you check your risk include:
Insurance and Lynch syndrome
You do not have to tell insurance, pension or mortgage companies about:
- tests for Lynch syndrome
- a Lynch syndrome diagnosis
Under Irish law insurance companies cannot access or use your genetic data or genetic test results to decide premiums for:
- insurance (life, health and income protection)
- pensions
- mortgages
Disability Act 2005, section 43 - irishstatutebook.ie
Your genetic test results are protected under the Insurance Ireland Data Protection Code of Practice.
If you are applying for new insurance the company may ask about medical history, family history, lifestyle factors, and any diagnoses, including genetic conditions. They use this to calculate your premium.
But you do not have to tell them you have a diagnosis of Lynch syndrome.