The FDA has approved a genetic test that can detect variants of 47 cancer-causing genes following a simple blood draw. Some of the genetic mutations and the associated cancers that this test can detect include:
- BRCA1 and BRCA2: hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome
- MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2 and EPCAM: Lynch syndrome (can increase risk for colorectal, endometrial, ovarian, gastric, pancreatic, renal, and brain cancer)
- CDH1: hereditary diffuse gastric cancer, and lobular breast cancer syndrome
- STK11: Putz-Jeghers Syndrome
It is important to note that a conversation with your doctor and/or a genetic counselor is important to understand the implications of the test results and to understand the need for monitoring or potential treatment. Additionally, this test does not evaluate all known cancer-causing genes. Finally, false-negative results could provide misleading assurance that all is fine, while false-positive results could lead to unnecessary monitoring and/or lifestyle changes.
In an email correspondence, the company said the test costs $250 without insurance. Cost will vary for those who have insurance, based on their specific plan.
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