Genetic Testing for Risk
Genetic testing for an (also called "germline genetic testing") is a type of medical test that can help people learn about their risk for cancer. The test looks for changes in your that are linked to an increased risk for cancer.
How is genetic testing done?
Genetic testing can be done on blood, saliva or tissue. Once the sample is collected it is sent to a genetic testing lab. Tests usually take between 2-6 weeks for results.
Genetic testing can help people make medical decisions
Genetic testing can help people make medical decisions. Genetic test results can help people diagnosed with cancer make treatment decisions. Test results can help people learn about their future risk for cancer, and their options for lowering their risk or detecting cancer early.
More Information on Genetic Testing for Cancer Risk
Types of Genetic Tests
Genetic tests are not all the same. Learn about the different types of tests.
Benefits and Limitations
Genetic testing can provide important information, but there are limitations to testing.
Types of Test Results
It's important to understand the different types of test results and what they mean.
Genetic Testing Guidelines
Expert guidelines outline who is most likely to benefit from genetic testing.
Deciding about Testing
Following these steps can help you decide if genetic testing is right for you.
Genetic Counseling
Genetics experts can help you understand genetic testing and interpret test results.
Participate in Genetics Research
Below are some of our featured research studies looking at genetic testing. To search for additional studies, visit our Search and Enroll Tool.
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More Resources
Paying For Care
Insurance coverage for genetic counseling and testing
Most health plans cover genetic counseling and testing for inherited gene mutations linked to cancer in people who meet the national guidelines. The cost of testing and your out-of-pocket charges may vary based on several factors.
People who are denied coverage for genetic testing can file an appeal (FORCE has sample appeal letters). Your healthcare provider can work with your insurance company and help you file an appeal if needed. Low cost testing may be available for $250 or less. Learn more about coverage for genetic counseling and testing here.
If you need information about finding an insurance plan, watch our video: Choosing Wisely: How to Pick Insurance Plans.
testing under the Affordable Care Act
Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), insurance companies must pay for both genetic counseling and testing with no out-of-pocket costs for women who meet certain criteria. The ACA regulations are limited to testing for and only and do not cover genetic counseling or testing in all situations. You can learn more about testing under the ACA here.
Medicare and Medicaid coverage of genetic testing
Genetic counseling and testing is typically covered by Medicare for people already diagnosed with cancer who are in treatment or for whom test results may affect their care. Most state Medicaid programs cover genetic testing for and mutations for people who meet requirements, which vary by state. You can read more about Medicare and Medicaid coverage of genetic testing here.
Financial assistance or low cost genetic testing
JScreen is a national program based out of Emory University that provides low-cost at-home genetic counseling and testing with financial assistance available. Many laboratories offer low-cost genetic testing or financial assistance programs. Programs vary, so if you are not eligible for assistance through one lab, consider contacting other labs to see if you qualify .
Open Clinical Trials
The following clinical trials include genetic counseling and testing.
- NCT02620852: WISDOM Study: Women Informed to Screen Depending on Measures of Risk offers women ages 40-74 the opportunity to undergo risk assessment and genetic testing in order to determine the best breast screening options based on their situation.
- NCT05562778: Chatbot to maximize genetic risk assessment. Researchers are testing whether a mobile health platform, known as a "chatbot" can improve rates of genetic testing among Medicaid patients with an elevated risk having an .
- NCT05427240: eHealth Delivery Alternative for Cancer Genetic Testing for (eReach2). This study will look at the effectiveness of offering web-based options for pre/post-test genetic counseling to provide equal or improved timely uptake of genetic services and testing.
- NCT05694559: Connecting Black Families in Houston, Texas to Genetic Counseling, Genetic Testing, and Cascade Testing by Using a Simple Genetic Risk Screening Tool and Telegenetics. This study will provide genetic testing to 150 Black individuals and families and provide genetic counseling and risk reduction resources to individuals with a mutation linked to increased cancer risk.
Other genetic counseling or testing studies may be found here.
Related Resources
The following organizations have resources related to genetic counseling and testing:
- FORCE related resources:
- Book: Living with Risk
- Information: What is genetic testing?
- Information: How to get genetic testing
- Information: , genes and risk
- Video: ABC of Cancer Genetics
- Blogs: Genetic testing
- National Society of Genetic Counseling
- JScreen