Who should consider taking this test?
Anyone who is interested in learning about their inherited risks for cancer can take the test. The likelihood of testing positive is higher for those with a personal and/or family history of cancer, as well as those with Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry.
The panel offered through jscreen is designed for individuals of all ancestries and includes hereditary cancer risks found in people of all different backgrounds.
How long will it take to get results?
Test results are provided in an easy to understand report available within 3 weeks of the sample arriving at the lab. You will have an opportunity to discuss your results with a genetic counselor.
Will genetic testing be covered by my insurance?
95% of private insurance companies have coverage for hereditary cancer testing based on data from our Myriad Genetics.
Through insurance coverage and financial assistance, for those who meet criteria for testing, 90% of tested customers pay $0 out-of-pocket based on data from Myriad Genetics
If your insurance does not pay for testing, you do not meet your policy’s guidelines for testing, you are uninsured, or you have a high unmet deductible, you can forego insurance and directly pay a self-pay price of $249 for your test. If you cannot afford testing, there are financial assistance programs available for those who qualify.
Clear cost estimates from Myriad Genetics
1. Self-pay: $49 due now. (and $249 will be billed to you from Myriad Genetics). Nothing is billed to insurance. A customer service representative from Myriad Genetics will call you to collect credit card payment after you ship your kit back with the prepaid shipping label.
2. Insurance: $49 due now, the rest is billed to your insurance. If you select to pay for your test through insurance, a few days after Myriad Genetics receives your saliva sample, they will contact you via email and/or text to let you know your cost estimate.
Your estimate will consider:
- Your insurance plan
- How much of your deductible has been paid so far this year
- Any copays or coinsurance per your plan
- Eligibility for financial assistance
You will receive an email/text from Myriad Genetics notifying you that your estimate is ready to view. Most people will pay $0, but if your estimate shows you’ll have an out-of-pocket cost that creates a hardship, you have options which will be provided to you.
This cancer screening panel 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 hereditary cancer.
After you complete your registration and your kit is ordered, Myriad Genetics will send you the kit to collect your saliva sample.
And receive your kit by mail.
Collect your saliva sample from the comfort of your home.
Receive your results within 3 weeks after mailing the kit with the prepaid shipping label.
Schedule your virtual genetic counseling session.
Actionable
The hereditary cancer test includes an easy to understand report with actionable results that will inform a personalized care plan. The test evaluates 48 genes to help identify the risk of 11 different types of hereditary cancer, including breast, colon, and pancreatic cancer.
Affordable
We are committed to providing you with access to reliable and affordable genetic testing. Cancer genetic testing is covered by most insurance plans, for those who meet certain criteria, and Myriad Genetics offers the option of affordable cash pay prices and financial assistance programs for those who qualify.
Peace of mind
In addition to providing results for the 48 genes tested, a genetic counseling session, a personalized care plan, and a breast cancer risk score for eligible individuals is provided. After your genetic counseling appointment, you will have a clear understanding of your results, an assessment of your risks, and a well-defined plan for your next step.
Find answers to commonly asked questions about our genetic testing and services.
What types of diseases are included on the reproductive carrier screening panel offered through jscreen?
This test will tell you if you are a carrier of a genetic disease on the testing panel and your risk for having a child with that condition. See below to find out what it means to be a carrier and the type of conditions on the panel.
Carriers
Typically people who are carriers of diseases on this panel do not have symptoms. There are two types of diseases on this panel: recessive and X-linked diseases.
Recessive Diseases
Two carriers of the same recessive disease have a 25% (or 1 in 4) chance in each of their pregnancies that the baby will be affected with that disease. Carrier couples are counseled about their options to build a healthy family.
X-Linked Diseases
For female (sex assigned at birth) carriers of X-linked diseases, there is a chance of having an affected child regardless of her partner’s carrier status. Typically sons are more severely affected than daughters. It is recommended that all females have screening, regardless of their partner’s results. Individuals who are carriers of X-linked conditions are strongly advised to take advantage of the genetic counseling included with testing to discuss their results and reproductive options.
Learn more about Reproductive carrier screening with this short video.
When should I consider doing Reproductive carrier screening?
You should consider this test prior to starting or expanding your family. jscreen recommends updating testing prior to any pregnancy. If you or your partner are already pregnant, we recommend testing as soon as possible.
Will this test tell me if I have a genetic disease?
The panel is not designed to explain symptoms of an undiagnosed condition. However, there is a small chance that testing will indicate that you have or are at-risk for a medical condition, such as familial Mediterranean fever or Gaucher disease. If this happens, your genetic counselor will review this information and discuss appropriate follow-up care. If you are concerned about your personal health, we recommend that you speak with your health-care provider or a local genetic counselor.
What happens if I test positive for cancer screening?
If you learn you have a mutation in a cancer gene, there are many ways to maintain your health and to impact the health of your family. A genetic counselor will walk you through your results and options for next steps.
Depending on the results, options may include:
• Lifestyle modifications (for example: reduced alcohol consumption)
• Increased and/or more frequent cancer screening (for example: mammogram, colonoscopy, prostate exam, skin cancer screening)
• Preventative risk-reducing surgeries (for example: mastectomy, removal of ovaries after childbearing)
• Options to avoid passing down mutations to your future children (for example: in-vitro fertilization (IVF) with pre-implantation genetic testing, adoption)
If you test positive for a mutation, you’ll be able to inform your relatives, who may also be at-risk.
Is all cancer hereditary?
No. There are many factors that contribute to a person’s risk for developing cancer, including lifestyle, diet, environmental exposures, and chance. But some cancers are related to specific genetic changes that are inherited. For example, about 5-10% of breast cancers and about 20-25% of ovarian cancers are due to inherited genetic changes. A person may have an inherited change in a cancer gene even if cancer hasn’t occurred in their family. If you have specific questions related to your personal or family history of cancer, please contact a jscreen genetic counselor at genetic.counselor@jscreen.org.