Genetic Testing for Hereditary Cancer
Hereditary cancer testing is a type of genetic test that can help your provider find out if you’re at higher risk for developing cancer due to a genetic mutation that may have been passed down through your family.
At Singing River Medical Clinics, our patients are given a Cancer Family History Questionnaire that asks questions about your personal and family history of cancer. If your history suggests an increased risk of hereditary cancer, your provider may prescribe a MyRisk test.
What Cancers Does MyRisk Test For?
MyRisk genetic testing can help identify inherited risk for many types of cancer, including:
| Cancer Type | Associated Genes |
|---|---|
| Breast cancer | BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2, CHEK2, ATM |
| Ovarian cancer | BRCA1, BRCA2, RAD51C, RAD51D, BRIP1 |
| Pancreatic cancer | BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2, ATM, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, EPCAM |
| Colon and colorectal cancer | APC, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, EPCAM, MUTYH |
| Endometrial (uterine) cancer | MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, PTEN |
| Stomach cancer | CDH1, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2 |
| Small bowel cancer | MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2 |
| Renal pelvis (kidney) cancer | FH, FLCN, MET, BAP1, MITF |
| Brain cancer | TP53, NF1, NF2, SMARCB1 |
| Sebaceous carcinoma | MSH2, MSH6 |
Who Should Consider MyRisk Testing?
MyRisk genetic testing is designed for individuals who have a personal or family history of certain cancers that may indicate a higher genetic risk.
You may qualify if any of the following apply to first-degree relatives (parents, siblings, children) or extended family members (grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, or cousins):
- Breast cancer diagnosed at age 49 or younger
- Two breast cancers in one relative at any age
- Three or more breast cancers on the same side of the family
- Ovarian cancer at any age
- Pancreatic cancer in a parent, child, or sibling
- Male breast cancer at any age
- Colon or endometrial cancer diagnosed at age 49 or younger in a parent, child, or sibling
- Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry with a family history of breast cancer
- Three relatives on the same side of the family diagnosed with colon, endometrial, or other Lynch syndrome-associated cancers (e.g., stomach, ovarian, pancreatic, small bowel, renal pelvis, brain, sebaceous carcinoma)
Genetic Knowledge is Power
Knowing if you are at a higher risk for cancer empowers you to make life-saving 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.
If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, your test results may help determine appropriate treatment options for you.
How the MyRisk Process Works
Step One: Visit Your Primary Care Provider
During your routine check-up, walk-in, or same-day appointment, your provider will review your personal and family history.
Step Two: Complete the Cancer Family History Questionnaire
You will be asked to provide additional details about your medical and family history in a questionnaire.
Step Three: Education & Decision-Making
If you meet the MyRisk criteria, you will have the opportunity to watch an educational video and discuss the benefits of genetic testing.
Step Four: Genetic Testing Submission
If you choose to proceed, a simple MyRisk blood or saliva test will be taken at the office and submitted for analysis.
Step Five: Results & Next Steps
You will receive your MyRisk test results in about two weeks. You provider may schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss your results and next steps.
Take Control of Your Health
Genetic testing empowers you with knowledge that can influence your healthcare journey. If you have a personal or family history of cancer and want to know if MyRisk testing is right for you, visit any Singing River Medical Clinic for a consultation today.
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