A new study's found an alarming number of Australians are unaware of the benefits of genetic testing, and wouldn’t get tested even if a family member was found to have a cancer caused by a genetic mutation.
A national campaign aims to raise people's awareness and lead them to act.
Catherine Marie Evans only learnt there was a history of ovarian cancer in her family after she was diagnosed with it.
She underwent chemotherapy and was cancer free for six years.
Despite a recent re-occurrence, the 51-year-old believes she is one of the lucky ones for surviving this far.
She's encouraging others to check their family history and get genetic testing.
A study by not-for-profit organisation Pink Hope has found 47% of Australians either don’t know or are unsure if they have a history of cancer in the family.
One-in-three would not consider a genetic test even if a cancer gene mutation was found in their family.
Pink Hope has launched a new national campaign intended to educate Australians on the different forms of genetic testing, and how to get it.
Chief Executive Sarah Powell says getting tested can make a huge difference to health outcomes.
