Cancer SCreening FAQ

The test available through this CU study is provided by Myriad genetics and is called MyRisk. It tests for 63 genes associated with hereditary cancer and it looks genetic changes that increase the risk for many types of cancer. These cancers include breast, ovarian, colorectal, uterine, skin, pancreatic, gastric (stomach), prostate, renal (kidney), lung, and endocrine. 

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Specifically, the BRCA gene suppress tumors (cancers) in humans. When there is a mutation in this gene, it may be unable to it's job, leaving the person who inherited the mutated gene at at a higher risk for certain types of cancers. 

 

 

 

What is the cost of genetic testing?

The test is free and is sent to your door, it is a spit test. No visit to get blood taken is needed.

 

How do I get tested?

Let us know you're interested by completing the simple contact form on our home page.

We'll contact you with details. It is a very easy process.

 

What will this test tell me?

The test will cover many genes associated with cancer, but perhaps the most important is the BRCA gene mutation - which 1 in 40 Ashkenazi Jews carries versus 1 in 400 in the general population. 

 

This panel was developed because it can help prevent hereditary cancer by early identification of risk. Those who test positive for a gene mutation can work with their medical providers to avoid cancer.

 

We will contact you to get you qualified once you fill out our 5 questions survey. There are basic qualifications for participating. Once qualified which requires a short survey, the process is simple:

• Step 1: Answer the short survey to start testing with the button above

• Step 2: CU will connect with you to "consent" you into the study. This consists of a brief call phone call.

• Step 3: Receive the kit - this "spit" test is sent directly to your home. 

• Step 3: Send the kit - Send your saliva sample to our certified testing lab in the pre-paid mailer included with your kit.

• Step 4: Get results

You will receive the testing results and be offered a genetic counseling session. You should share these results with your primary care doctor.

 

Life insurance and genetic testing

Getting a positive result on your test could prevent you from securing life insurance if you do not already have it. Obtaining a life insurance before you test will allow you to keep life insurance regardless of your results.

 

What the difference between this test and another test like 23 & Me?

Myriad Laboratories provides a very high quality, clinically actionable test – which means this test your Doctor can trust the results!

 

Once I get this test, will I need to be tested again in the future?

Generally speaking, the DNA that is tested does not change over time. This means that there would be no need to repeat this same test in the future, as the results would be the same.

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However, genetic testing technology does change over time, and new genes may be discovered. Therefore, it’s possible that a new and improved test might be available in the future that you would want to consider.

 

How will you ensure that my information is kept private?

The privacy of your health information is very important to us. We follow federal and state privacy laws, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and regulations (HIPAA), to protect your personal health information. The entities that will have access to your medical and genetic information include: Myriad Labs, and the Study through CU Anschutz which follows strict privacy rules, you may ask further questions during your consent appointment or send a direct question to patrice@brca-jewish.org.  At the end of the screening process, you will be given a copy of your results via secure email. No one will sell your information to third parties.

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You'll want to know that the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, commonly known as GINA, is an important U.S. civil rights law that protects individuals from discrimination based on their genetic information. It was first introduced into the U.S. Congress in the 1990s at a time when genetic testing and genetics research was taking off at breakneck speed. GINA prevents health insurance companies and employers from requesting that people take genetic tests, prohibits health insurers from using someone's genetic information to refuse insurance or charge higher prices, and also prohibits employers from hiring, firing and making other employment decisions based on their employee's genetic information.

 

How do I get my results?

You will receive an email indicating that your results are ready with instructions on how to get them. Most people will be directed to schedule a tele-health genetic counseling session to receive their results. Once the entire process is complete, we’ll send a copy of the results to you and your doctor.

 

How is the test done?

The test is done by you, at your home, using a saliva sample. 

 

Are there risks to genetic testing?

There is no medical risk associated with the sample collection for genetic testing. However, it is important to think about what the test can tell you, including the emotional, financial, medical and social implications of finding out you are at increased risk for certain types of cancer. If you are struggling to make a decision about testing, you may want to consider consulting with a specialized healthcare provider, such as a genetic counselor.

 

What if my results are positive for a harmful variant in either the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes?

If you have a harmful variant in either of these genes, it means that you are much more likely to develop breast cancer or ovarian cancer compared to someone who doesn't have these harmful genetic variants. Individuals are also at risk for pancreatic, prostate and melanoma cancers.

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It's important to remember that a positive result doesn't mean you're certain to develop cancer… only that your risk is higher and you can do things differently to reduce that risk.

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Things you can do might include:

• Having different types of cancer screening exams, perhaps earlier and more often than is typically recommended

• Taking medications to reduce your cancer risk.

• Consider procedures to reduce your cancer risk, such as preventive removal of your ovaries or breasts.

 

What you choose to do depends on many factors — including your age and whether you have finished having children, medical history, prior treatments, past surgeries, and personal preferences. A specialized healthcare provider can help you understand your options and make these decisions.

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What does it mean if I test negative?

A negative test result means that no harmful gene variants were found in the genes that were included. However, testing negative does not mean you will not get breast, ovarian, or another type of cancer. It’s important to remember that even people at “average” risk can develop breast, ovarian, or other cancers. A negative genetic test does not remove your risk altogether.

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Your negative genetic test result needs to be interpreted by an expert in the context of your personal and family history. A genetic counselor or a doctor with expertise in this area can help with this step.

 

Info on this FAQ was taken directly from the Jscreen.org FAQ and supplemented by material from Mayoclinic.org
 

Questions? 

Contact Patrice at 303-506-7014 (Colorado Gynecologic Cancer Alliance) or email Patrice@gyncancercolorado.org