Genetic Testing for Breast Cancer

Know Your Risk. Protect Your Future.
The comprehensive hereditary cancer panel screens for genetic variants most strongly associated with breast cancer risk, giving you and your family the knowledge to take proactive steps toward better health.
By
Sharon Pollack, MS, CGC
This post was originally published in 2026, and last updated in August 2026.

Why Genetic Testing Matters for Breast Cancer

Approximately 5 to 10 percent of all breast cancer cases are directly linked to inherited genetic mutations.1 Identifying these mutations before a diagnosis empowers individuals to make informed decisions about prevention, monitoring, and family planning.2 The cancer genetic test goes beyond just BRCA1 and BRCA2 to provide a comprehensive picture of your inherited risk across a broad panel of clinically significant genes.

Comprehensive Gene Panel

Screens 63 genes associated with hereditary breast cancer and other cancer syndromes in a single test.

Actionable results

Clear, clinically interpreted findings with guidance on next steps.

Family Impact

Understanding your genetics can help protect siblings, children, and other relatives who may share your risk.

Early Detection Advantages

Knowing your risk profile enables proactive screening strategies that can save lives.

Genetic Counseling Included

Every jscreen result comes with access to a board-certified genetic counselor who will walk you through your report in plain language, answer your questions, and coordinate care recommendations with your physician.
illustration of a doctor

Is a Breast Cancer Genetic Screening Test Right for You?

1.

Family History of Breast or Ovarian Cancer

If you or a close relative such as a parent, sibling, or child has been diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer, especially at a young age, testing is recommended.1 Genetic testing can reveal whether you or someone in your family carries an inherited mutation.1

2.

Ashkenazi Jewish Ancestry

Individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish descent have a significantly elevated rate of certain BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations compared to the general population, making hereditary testing especially valuable for this community.2

3.

Personal History of Breast Cancer

If you have already been diagnosed with breast cancer, genetic testing may influence treatment decisions and inform risk management for your family members.3

4.

Male Breast Cancer in the Family

Breast cancer in a male relative is a strong indicator of a hereditary mutation, particularly in BRCA2, and warrants testing for all individuals in that family.3

5.

Multiple People On the Same Side of the Family with Certain Cancer Types

Patterns of multiple cancers such as breast, ovarian, pancreatic, or prostate cancer appearing across generations on the same side of the family often suggest an inherited genetic syndrome.3

6.

Peace of Mind and Informed Planning

Even without a strong family history, many individuals choose to be tested simply to understand their baseline genetic risk and make informed decisions about their health for years to come.

Key Genes in Breast Cancer Testing Panel

Our test evaluates the most clinically significant genes linked to hereditary breast cancer risk, including variants missed by BRCA-only tests.

Full gene list available here. Results reviewed by board-certified genetic counselors.

Gene
Disease
BRCA1

Strongly associated with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome

BRCA2

Linked to breast, ovarian, and pancreatic cancer risk in both women and men4

PALB2

Significantly increased lifetime risk for breast, ovarian and pancreatic cancer4

TP53

Associated with Li Fraumeni syndrome, known to cause vastly elevated risk of multiple cancers and early onset4

CHEK2

While not all individuals with CHEK2 mutations develop cancer, there is an increased risk of breast cancer and possibly prostate cancer4

ATM

Increased breast cancer risk, as well as increased chance of fallopian tube, ovarian, pancreatic and prostate cancer4

CDH1

Associated with hereditary diffuse gastric and lobular breast cancer syndrome4

PTEN

Linked to Cowden syndrome and significantly elevated lifetime breast cancer endometrial and thyroid cancer risk; additional GI cancers can also occur, along with specific skin findings4

How At-Home Genetic Testing Works

Order and register

Order your at-home genetic test and register online.

Collect your sample

Your sample collection kit should arrive 7–10 business days after registration.

Return your sample

Follow the instructions in the kit to collect and return your sample.

Get your results

Results are typically available 2-3 weeks after the sample reaches the lab.

Talk to a genetic counselor

You’ll have the opportunity to discuss your results with a genetic counselor.

Costs and Insurance Coverage

jscreen is committed to making carrier screening financially accessible, regardless of your insurance status.

Insurance Billing

Most commercial insurance plans cover carrier testing for individuals and couples planning to start or expand their family. Insurance plans also often cover carrier testing for individuals with Ashkenazi Jewish heritage. Your final cost depends on your family history and specific insurance plan. Our care navigators are here to help you work through the process and connect you with our financial assistance programs as needed.

Self-Pay Option

Prefer not to use insurance? jscreen offers a straightforward, competitive self-pay rate of $249, plus the upfront fee of $49, for a total of $298. This covers lab testing fees, physician review and test ordering, and access to our genetic counselors and care navigators throughout the testing process.

Knowledge Is Power. Get Tested Today.

Join tens of thousands of individuals who have taken a proactive step toward protecting their long-term health with hereditary cancer testing.
Get Started Today

References

  1. American Cancer Society. Breast cancer risk factors you cannot change. cancer.org. Updated 2024. Accessed June 2026. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/risk-and-prevention/breast-cancer-risk-factors-you-cannot-change.html
  2. National Cancer Institute. BRCA gene changes: cancer risk and genetic testing fact sheet. cancer.gov. Accessed June 2026. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/genetics/brca-fact-sheet
  3. Breastcancer.org. Is breast cancer hereditary? Understanding gene mutations. breastcancer.org. Updated February 28, 2025. Accessed June  026. https://www.breastcancer.org/risk/risk-factors/genetics
  4. Petrucelli N, Daly MB, Pal T. BRCA1- and BRCA2-associated hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. In: Adam MP, Feldman J, Mirzaa GM, et al, eds. GeneReviews. Seattle, shadow: University of Washington; updated March 25, 2026. Accessed June 2026. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK1247/