Why is hereditary cancer testing important?
Hereditary cancer testing is a type of genetic test. The Myriad MyRisk® Hereditary Cancer Test looks for genetic changes linked to a higher chance of developing certain cancers, like breast cancer. These genetic changes can be passed down in families. The MyRisk test can help identify hereditary cancer risks and empower you and your provider to take action for your health today and into the future.
How much does testing cost?
Most commercial and federally funded insurance plans cover hereditary cancer testing, and the majority of patients face no out-of-pocket costs for MyRisk testing.
Many people have zero additional cost for their genetic testing, but insurance coverage varies, and you may have out-of-pocket costs depending on your coverage. Once Myriad Genetics receives your saliva sample, you will receive your cost estimate via email. If it is greater than $249, you can call (800) 469-7423 within 3 days of receiving your cost estimate to discuss payment options. Once test results are ready, you may no longer change your payment method.
What happens after testing?
Your MyRisk test results are available ~2 weeks after your saliva sample is received at the lab. Watch this video to understand how it works, what your results could mean, and what comes next.
Hereditary Cancer Testing
What if you could do more to understand your risk of cancer? MagView has collaborated with Myriad Genetics to offer a hereditary cancer test called MyRisk®. This test can help you and your provider understand your risk of developing 11 different types of cancer, including breast cancer.
You can chat with a genetic counselor from DNA visit, a virtual care provider, to get started from the comfort of your home. There is no fee for your initial chat with a genetic counselor.
How Much Does Testing Cost?
Most commercial and federally-funded insurance plans cover hereditary cancer testing, and the majority of patients face no out-of-pocket costs for MyRisk testing.
Many people have zero additional cost for their genetic testing, but insurance coverage varies and you may have out-of-pocket costs depending on your coverage. Once Myriad Genetics receives your saliva sample, you will receive your cost estimate via email. If it is greater than $249, you can call (800) 469-7423 within 3 days of receiving your cost estimate to discuss payment options. Once test results are ready, you may no longer change your payment method.
The Tyrer-Cuzick risk calculator can help determine the possibility of developing breast cancer during your lifetime. The purpose of this tool is to help you become better informed and assist you in how you should proceed with your breast cancer screening journey.
The Tyrer-Cuzick model, sometimes referred to as the IBIS tool, provides a risk score that estimates the likelihood of a woman developing breast cancer over the course of her lifetime . The risk score is calculated using a variety of risk factors that include personal health history, as well as family health history. The score is typically expressed as a percentage.
The major risk factors that determine a Tyrer-Cusick risk score are:
Breast cancer research and advances in risk assessment have shown that having dense breasts is a contributing factor in determining a woman’s risk of breast cancer. Dense breast tissue refers to the appearance of breast tissue on a mammogram and the makeup of supportive and fatty tissue in the breast. The more fatty tissue, the less dense the breast is. Dense breasts are common and can be caused by simply being younger, having a lower body mass index, or taking hormone therapy for menopause; researchers are still studying why some women have dense breasts and others do not.
Non-dense breast tissue appears dark and transparent, whereas dense breast tissue appears as a solid white area on a mammogram; this solid white area can make it hard for radiologists to accurately analyze the image with a mammogram alone. Therefore, your healthcare provider may recommend supplemental imaging, like a breast ultrasound or breast MRI, to increase the likelihood of finding cancer. Having dense breast tissue alone is not a cause for concern. You should speak with your healthcare provider about your breast tissue density and how it affects your risk status.
Risk assessment can help breast centers tailor screening and follow up recommendations to ensure you are receiving the care you need. Risk assessment identifies women who are candidates for additional imaging, genetic counseling, genetic testing, and/or other specialized recommendations.
Some facilities may have different guidelines, so you should check with your healthcare provider, but generally:
If you are adopted or do not have information about your family's cancer or genetic testing history, you may leave the Family History section of the risk assessment survey blank. Any unanswered fields will be treated as 'unknown' and factored into your risk score accordingly.
Yes, there are other risk models such as Gail/NCI, BRCAPRO, Claus, BCSC and more; however, Tyrer-Cuzick has been widely accepted as the most comprehensive risk model due to more detailed data collection. Your healthcare provider may use one or more of the models listed above together.
While risk calculators and other tools exist online, it is best to speak with your healthcare provider about having your risk score calculated. Learning you are high risk from an online calculator without guidance from your healthcare provider may cause unnecessary anxiety.
No, being high risk just means that when statistically compared to other women, your chances are higher, sometimes only slightly higher. It is completely understandable to be concerned about your high risk status, but early detection is your best tool against breast cancer. By identifying your risk, your healthcare providers can provide you with a personalized screening plan and/or risk reduction options.
You should speak with your healthcare provider about your specific circumstances to determine if there is anything you can do to lower your risk. In some cases, your healthcare provider may recommend lifestyle changes, and in higher risk cases, there are risk-reducing drugs and interventional surgery options. It is important, however, that your healthcare provider makes the appropriate recommendations.
No, the Tyrer-Cuzick risk model does not apply to those already diagnosed with breast cancer and those over the age of 85.
While your healthcare provider and imaging providers are the best resources, here are sites that can provide you with more information until you speak with your healthcare provider:
Visit https://myriad.com/getmyrisk/ or download this brochure to learn more
Note: Every reported issue that is logged is thoroughly investigated and reviewed by our team. We review reported issues in the order in which they are received. Please do not expect a response from our team related to your reported issue. We will address any and all reported issues that will improve the quality of our online risk calculator.
Note: Every reported issue that is logged is thoroughly investigated and reviewed by our team. We review reported issues in the order in which they are received. Please do not expect a response from our team related to your reported issue. We will address any and all reported issues that will improve the quality of our online risk calculator.
