Hereditary cancer genetic testing may still be  important even if one or both  parents test negative. First, hereditary cancer testing now includes significantly more genes than just BRCA1 and BRCA2. Newer testing methods might identify risks that were not detected in previous tests, ensuring a more complete understanding of your cancer risk.

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Additionally, you could still inherit a cancer-related genetic mutation from the other parent or rarely acquire a mutation independently. 

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If you have questions about your family member(s) genetic testing, please contact a jscreen genetic counselor here.

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jscreen’s goal is to provide information. The genetic counselors do not make recommendations for carrier couples or how to move forward in a relationship. Instead, they discuss the genetic condition of concern, and explain available reproductive options.

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jscreen genetic counselors can also connect carrier couples with helpful resources (such as reproductive specialists, disease organizations, rabbis, therapists and others) to help them make family planning decisions.

Even if a sibling tests negative, each individual still has their own unique combination of genes inherited from parents. Reproductive carrier screening is important because there's still a possibility that you could carry a genetic condition that your sibling does not. Testing ensures you have accurate information about your own carrier status, which is essential for informed family planning. In addition, females (sex assigned at birth) should always screen so that they can be tested for X-linked conditions.

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Hereditary Cancer Test: a cancer screening panel that looks for genetic changes that increase the risk for many types of cancer. The panel analyzes 48 genes, including BRCA1 and BRCA2, that are related to heredity cancer. To view a complete list of genes on the panel, click here.

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Reproductive Carrier Screen: an expanded carrier screening panel for those who are pregnant or planning to have a biological child in the future. This test is designed to assess an individual or couple’s risk for having a child with a genetic disease. The panel includes more than 260 diseases, such as Tay-Sachs disease, cystic fibrosis, and sickle cell disease. To view a complete list of the conditions on the panel, click here.

Hereditary Cancer screening is a test to determine if an individual has an inherited genetic change that makes them more likely to develop cancer. 

This test analyzes 48 cancer-predisposition genes (including BRCA1 and BRCA2). If there is a harmful mutation in one or more of these genes, it will increase the risk for cancer. Each cancer gene on the panel is associated with specific cancer types and varying degrees of risk. 

In many cases, individuals who test positive have options to work with their healthcare providers to reduce the chances of developing cancer or to detect it at an early, treatable stage. Because we share genetic information with our biological family members, a positive result may also alert other relatives to consider testing. For those who have had a cancer diagnosis, knowing the genetic cause may help their doctors adjust their medical management and identify other cancer risks.

This test does not screen for or diagnose cancer.

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