Genetic Testing & Breast Health
Castleview Hospital is now offering genetic testing for hereditary cancer to qualifying individuals during a routine screening mammogram. This genetic test looks for mutations (changes) in your genes that may have been passed down through your family. By recognizing harmful mutations, your healthcare provider can determine if you are at a higher genetic risk for cancer, empowering you to make life-saving decisions regarding your health. If you have a family history of cancer, hereditary cancer testing is the primary way to find out if you are at a hereditary, familial, or general population risk of developing cancer.
How does genetic testing at my mammogram appointment work?
When you arrive for your routine screening mammogram appointment you will be asked a series of questions relating to your personal and family history of cancer on our Breast History Form. This information will aid your provider in determining if you are a candidate for genetic testing. To prepare for these questions, get to know your family history:
- Know the history of cancer on your mom and dad’s side of the family.
- Know at least three generations of history (parents, children, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and other close blood relatives).
- Know details such as the type of cancer and what age your relative was when they were diagnosed.
- If you don’t know, take the time to try and find out.
If your healthcare provider recommends hereditary cancer testing, it can be done right in your provider’s office during your mammogram appointment. Your provider will collect a blood or saliva sample using a special kit, which will be shipped to Myriad Genetics for analysis. Test results will be delivered directly to your provider in approximately two weeks. Your provider may schedule an appointment with you to discuss your results.
What are the possible results from genetic testing?
- Positive
- A genetic mutation was found in one or more of the genes tested.
- You’re typically at higher risk for cancer.
- A summary of medical management guidelines will be given to you based on your gene mutation(s).
- Elevated
- No genetic mutation was found in the genes tested.
- You’re at a higher risk for cancer based on what we saw in your genes, personal clinical risk factors, and/or your family history of cancer.
- A summary of medical management guidelines will be given to you based on your higher risk.
- Negative
- No genetic mutation was found in the genes tested.
- The common causes of hereditary cancer have been ruled out, but depending on your family history of cancer, higher risks could still remain.
What if testing indicates I am at higher risk for cancer?
People with familial or hereditary cancer risk have a higher chance of developing cancer during their lifetime. Knowing if you are at higher risk for cancer empowers you to make lifesaving medical management decisions. You and your provider can work together to create a personalized plan to reduce your risk of developing cancer or increase the likelihood of finding cancer at an earlier and more treatable stage. Your personalized prevention or treatment plan may include the following:
Extra surveillance
- Extra surveillance may find cancer at an earlier and more treatable stage.
Risk-reducing medications
- There are medications that can lower the risk for certain cancers.
Risk-reducing surgery
- Based on your unique situation, certain surgeries can greatly lower your risk.
Treatment options
- If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, your test results may help determine appropriate treatment options for you.
What are the costs for genetic testing?
95% of private insurance companies have coverage for hereditary cancer testing. If you have a high deductible plan, co-insurance, or no insurance at all, you still have options.
- If you have a high deductible or co-insurance, under the Myriad Financial Assistance Program (MFAP), you may qualify for $0 or reduced out-of-pocket cost, dependent on your family size and income.
- Myriad Genetics offers interest-free payment plans for as low as $15 per month.
- Myriad Genetics offers a direct pay option for the MyRisk™ test for patients who don’t meet payer policy, are uninsured, or have a high unmet deductible. Patients can choose to forego insurance and pay for the MyRisk test.
Who is Myriad Genetics?
Our facility uses the Myriad Genetics MyRisk Hereditary Cancer Test to evaluate 48 genes to help us identify your risk of developing 11 different types of hereditary cancer. To learn more about Myriad Genetics and the MyRisk Hereditary Cancer Test, visit Myriad.com/MyRisk.
How do I schedule my screening mammogram?
A referral from your provider IS NOT required to schedule your screening mammogram. For questions or to schedule your appointment, call 435.636.4844.