Neither genetic nor medical screening is warranted for family members of people with CLL.

Although family history of a lymphoproliferative disorder is associated with increased risk of developing CLL (Brown 2008; Goldin et al. 2004), the disease is polygenic and no specific causative genes have been identified. As such, there are no tests that can screen for inherited genetic markers.

Patients should understand that any ‘genetic testing’ recommended by their doctor will identify changes in CLL cells that can help inform prognosis and guide treatment but cannot identify genes or genetic changes that are inherited or passed on. There is no evidence to support any kind

of genetic screening among family members, including direct-to-consumer genetic testing.