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OCONOMOWOC - Stop cancer before it starts. For some people, Genetic Testing for cancer could mean the difference between life and death. Beth Riedel likes the organic menu at Lemon Grass in Oconomowoc. She described one of her favorite dishes for us: "A Chinese dish with lots of vegetables, good ruffage, tofu." She's a regular there since discovering she carries the gene for Colon Cancer. "Personally I was touched by my mother, who has a history of colon cancer," Beth explains. Beth's 79-year-old mother has fought the disease 4 times, and her grandfather died from it. Beth's entire family recently got tested. She and several others tested positive. "I was like, 'Oh great, now I have to spend more time thinking about it,'" Beth recalls. Jenny Geurts is a Genetic Counselor with Aurora Health Care. She helps patients like Beth digest this complex information. "If I tell a patient, you do have the gene that causes hereditary cancer, it's not a 100% chance they're gonna get cancer, that's the thing I need them to understand right away," Geurts says. Instead, she helps them learn how not to get cancer. In Beth's case, frequent Colonoscopies could actually prevent the disease. "If they find a pre-cancerous colon polyp, they can remove it at that time. You've just prevented cancer," Geurts explains. It's not just Colon Cancer. You can also get tested for Breast, Ovarian, and Uterine cancers--Which all have a strong hereditary link. "If you have a family history of cancer, you can't make that go away. It either is or it isn't. That's the hand you were dealt when you were born," Geurts says. Beth says she feels empowered by this information. "Because I got tested and I know I have it, I can manage my health care much better." But Geurts admits Genetic Testing isn't for everyone. She tells us, "Some patients that I meet with, they decide the information's a bit too overwhelming right now. They may be in the middle of a cancer diagnosis, or may have just lost a loved one." Another issue is Insurance Discrimination. Many patients worry their premiums will sky-rocket if they test positive. "It's important to know that there are both State and Federal laws that protect against insurance discrimination by your health care company," Geurts reassures us. In fact, getting the test can help ensure that medical procedures like screenings are covered. Geurts adds,"Their bottom line, that's gonna save them money if we can prevent cancer." For Beth--It's a decision she lives with every day, but it's one test she'd be willing to take again. "I don't regret it....at all," she says confidently. If there's a significant history of cancer in your family, your insurance plan may cover the Genetic Testing. It can cost up to $3,000 out of pocket.