To whom?

The genetic test is for individuals suspected to carry a mutation associated with colorectal cancer in their family.

WHO ARE THEY?

They belong to families where there are many cases, usually at a young age, of either colorectal cancer or other cancers associated with a specific syndrome (e.g., uterine and ovary cancer in HNPCC).

To be part of one such family does not always carry severe personal implications; if you are not a carrier, you should have a low probability of illness, similar to that of the general population.

However, because some family members might have a very high risk of developing cancer, the whole family should be followed at the genetics clinic to be sure that each case is correctly analyzed.

The genetic test is part of the genetic consultation as long as the doctor believes that there is a strong suspicion of hereditary cancer. 

It is not a mandatory test though; it is a personal decision

Furthermore, genetic testing should always be done with genetic counseling .