If you have a genetic mutation that predisposes you to cancer, and you have children … you’re going to have to make a really crucial decision about how much you want to share with them about your mutation, and whether to advise them to get tested themselves. Dave Dubin has Lynch Syndrome, which predisposed him to several cancers – including colon cancer. Lynch Syndrome is hereditary, you can get it from either parent and if you do … you will have an 80% chance of developing colon cancer in your lifetime. In Dave’s case, he decided to be honest with his sons about his Lynch Syndrome, and the fact that there’s a chance that they have it too.
“We are very open with the boys because there’s a 50/50 chance of essentially them inheriting my mutation,” Dave says. “We also made a point to wait until they turned 18 before they had their genetic testing done. When they turn 18, it’s their decision. We felt it was important that they had a right to say no, if they didn’t want to have it done.”
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