At-Home Genetic Testing and Hereditary Cancer

What you need to know about hereditary cancer, the types of genetic or DNA testing available to consumers without being ordered by a healthcare provider, and resources to help you make the decision that’s right for you.

About At-Home Genetic Testing for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer

Your Guide to at-home BRCA testing

• Are you considering BRCA testing through an at-home genetic test?
• What should you do once you have received results from at-home genetic testing?
  • The results say I have a genetic mutation (sometimes called a genetic variant) in one of the BRCA genes.
  • The results say I do not have a genetic mutation in one of the BRCA genes.
• Why should you care about the type of testing technology used?
• Are all genetic testing technologies the same?
  • What is genotyping?
  • What is sequencing?
• Some key things to know about at-home BRCA testing
• Learn more about BRCA

About hereditary cancer, including information about the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes 

• What causes cancer?
• What is hereditary cancer?
• What are the risks associated with mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes?
• How are mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes inherited?
• How can carrying a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation impact healthcare decisions?
• Why would only a couple of mutations be tested?  Why is ancestry important, especially Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry?

Why speak with a Genetic Counselor?

You may want to meet with a genetic counselor to discuss your questions and what the most appropriate next steps are for you. Genetic counseling services may be offered through clinics and hospitals while others may be offered by telephone or video.

A genetic counselor can:

• Review your results, how they impact your cancer risk and your own screening recommendations
• Coordinate confirmatory testing to make sure your at-home DNA test results are accurate, if needed
• Review your family history to identify other relatives who may benefit from genetic testing
• Help you find ways to discuss this information with your relatives
• Recommend any additional genetic testing related to cancer or other disease that may apply to you based on your personal and/or family history
• Help you find the most affordable testing options and navigate insurance coverage for genetic testing
• Help answer other questions you may have about your genetic health
• Point you to quality, reliable resources for more information or to get connected with others who have similar information about their genetic risks

There are resources available to help you find a genetic counselor. Additional resources are also available about BRCA, gathering your family history and protecting your privacy.