Understanding Genetic Testing in Cancer Care: Resources for Patients and Families

Welcome to our new online resource center “NGS4PM for Patients & Families” that is Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) for personalized medicine for patients and families in cancer care. NGS is a type of genetic testing that looks at multiple genes at once to help doctors understand more about a person’s cancer.

On this page, you’ll find easy-to-understand information created specifically for patients, family members, and healthcare providers. These resources explain how NGS testing works and how it might help in cancer treatment planning.

We’ll be adding new materials regularly through April 2025. Each resource will appear as soon as it is ready, so you can access information without waiting for everything to be completed.

What You’ll Find Here:

Real Experiences

  • A Patient’s Story: Watch a video of someone sharing their personal experience with NGS testing during their cancer treatment journey.
  • Doctor’s Perspective: Learn from an oncologist about how NGS testing is used in hospitals and what to expect.

Learning Materials

  • Potential Benefits: A short video explaining how NGS testing might help create more personalized treatment plans.
  • Healthcare System View: Information about how this testing fits into overall cancer care. (add link)
  • Visual Guides: Simple infographics that explain NGS concepts with pictures rather than technical terms.
  • Patient Views and Insights: A summary of how patients view their experiences with cancer and availability and reimbursement of NGS testing since 2020.
  • Family Guide: A booklet with practical information about NGS for patients and their loved ones.
  • Additional Resources: More helpful materials to better understand genetic testing for personalized cancer care.

These resources use everyday language to explain complex medical concepts. They’re designed to support—not replace—the information your healthcare team provides.

Whether you’re newly diagnosed, supporting a loved one, or simply wanting to learn more about modern cancer care options, we hope these materials help you better understand how genetic testing might play a role in cancer treatment today.

Remember: NGS testing is one of many tools doctors may use in cancer care. Your healthcare team remains your best source of specific guidance for your situation.