Your Quick Guide To Genetic And Hereditary Cancer Testing In New York
Some individuals are at a higher risk of developing certain cancers due to inheriting a specific gene mutation or mutations from one or both parents. A genetic cancer test can help identify these mutations and, in collaboration with a healthcare professional, enable you to take steps to minimize your risk factors and protect your health.
What is a Genetic Cancer Test?
A genetic cancer test detects specific inherited genes from one or both parents that contain mutations linked to an increased risk of developing certain cancers.
Hereditary cancer testing is a simple blood or saliva test that may detect common cancers such as:
- Breast cancer
- Colon cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Thyroid cancer
However, most people do not need to get a hereditary cancer test. It is estimated that between 5 – 10% of all cancers are genetic. Your doctor may recommend that you seek genetic cancer testing if there are signs of hereditary cancer in your family. These signs can include:
- You have multiple relatives on the same side of the family with the same type of cancer
- Multiple generations of family members have been affected
- Cancer was diagnosed at an early age in a family member
- A family member has been diagnosed with more than one type of primary cancer
- Multiple individuals in a family have cancers that are genetically related (linked to a single gene mutation), such as breast and ovarian cancer
- An individual shows physical signs that are associated with hereditary cancer (such as colon cancer and having many polyps)
A hereditary cancer test can help you and a medical professional, typically your doctor and/or a genetic counselor, to identify your risk factors and take preventive steps to mitigate these risks.
For example, they may recommend lifestyle changes such as avoiding alcohol or stopping smoking, scheduling more regular screenings throughout the year, and educating you on the signs and symptoms of the cancer for which you have an increased risk. They may also recommend surgery or taking medications that can help further reduce your risk. If you plan to have children, your genetic counselor can also discuss the potential of passing on a gene mutation to a child to help you make family planning decisions.
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Common Genetic Mutations in Hereditary Cancers
Genetic cancers are sometimes called hereditary cancers since this refers to cancer that develops due to an inherited copy of a specific gene mutation that is known to increase the risk of developing cancer. There are hundreds of known genetic mutations that may contribute to hereditary cancer.
For example, mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. Mutations in MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2 may be linked to Lynch syndrome, a type of colorectal cancer. Issues with the TP53 gene are found in over 50% of all cancers.
This is not a comprehensive list, and speaking with a medical professional is the best way to get the guidance you need to determine if you should get testing and recommend your next steps if you receive a positive test result.
Types of Genetic Testing for Cancer
If your doctor or genetic counselor has determined that you should get genetic testing for cancer genes, the process generally starts with a blood, saliva, or tissue sample. A registered nurse will perform a blood draw, swab the inside of your cheek to collect a saliva sample, or take a skin or other tissue sample.
This sample is sent to a genetic testing lab for evaluation. You can usually expect your results within a couple of weeks.
There are several types of tests available:
Single mutation:
This test looks for a specific mutation within a single gene. This test may be used when a family member has a known genetic mutation.
Single gene testing:
This test is a comprehensive evaluation of a single gene. Similar to a single mutation, this test can be used when a family member has a known mutation.
Panel (multi-gene) tests:
This type of test looks for mutations within multiple genes. Tests can either look for a specific type of cancer or a broad spectrum. Panel tests can be useful if there is not a known gene mutation in the family.
Multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests:
MCED tests, such as the GRAIL-Galleri, are designed to screen for multiple types of cancer from a single blood sample. These tests are still in development and are not yet FDA-approved, but they may be useful for detecting cancers that do not currently have screening tests, or as a supplemental evaluation alongside traditional cancer screening methods.
Regardless of which test you choose, your results will generally fall into one of the following categories:
- Positive: Your test identified a genetic mutation that is linked to a specific type of inherited cancer, and you are at an increased risk of developing this cancer.
- Negative: Your test did not detect a mutation that is linked to hereditary cancer. If your test comes back negative despite having a known mutation in your family, your results are considered a ‘true negative’ and your risk of developing cancer is average.
- Variant of Uncertain Significance (VUS): Your test identified a mutation, but the mutation is not linked to an increased risk of cancer.
Understanding the Role of Genetic Counselors in Genetic Cancer Testing
A genetic counselor is a medical professional who may be a dedicated specialist or a doctor with specialized training in this field. Their role is to educate you about genetic cancer screening before and after your test and guide you through the process.
Cancer genetic counseling can help you:
- Assess your family’s medical history and determine whether testing is right for you
- Consider the potential impact of a positive test result on you and your family
- Understand the screening process and what to expect
- Evaluate which test or tests you may benefit from most
- Understand your test results
- Identify preventive steps you can take to lower your risk factors
Where to Get a Genetic Cancer Test in New York
New York residents have several ways to get a genetic cancer test. New York genetic testing may be available at locations such as Mount Sinai Tisch Cancer Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and NYU Langone Perlmutter Cancer Center, walk-in labs, and many clinics.
You can also get in-home cancer genetic testing with Drip Hydration. One of our registered nurses will bring the GRAIL-Galleri test directly to you. The nurse will perform a blood draw and then ship your sample to a lab for evaluation. Once your results are ready, our team will help you understand your results and recommend next steps.
Costs and Insurance Coverage
Understanding your costs before getting tested can help you plan financially.
How Much Does Genetic Testing Cost in NYC?
Genetic test costs in NYC can range from $100 – $2000 or more, although this number may be impacted by factors such as the type of test you get or whether other family members need to be tested.
You may be wondering, “How much does the BRCA1 test cost?” In New York, health insurers are required by law to cover the cost of genetic cancer screening. Insurers are also required to cover genetic counseling for individuals who receive positive BRCA results.
Insurance and Genetic Testing
For individuals without coverage, you can still get genetic testing for cancer in NYC. Individuals without insurance coverage can get tested at a walk-in lab such as Quest Diagnostics and pay a flat fee. Some labs offer payment plans to help you manage costs.
Conclusion
Whether you know that cancer runs in your family or you think that it might, a genetic cancer test can be a valuable evaluation to help you understand your potential risk. Hereditary cancer testing should be done in consultation with a medical professional, such as your doctor or a genetic counselor.
New York residents have multiple ways to obtain a genetic cancer test, including in-person hospitals and clinics, walk-in labs, and at home with Drip Hydration. By understanding your health and your risk factors, you can take preventive steps to limit your chances of developing cancer and protect your health.
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