Genetic testing

We offer in-depth genetic evaluations, counseling and testing of more than 80 genes at Atrium Health Floyd and Harbin Clinic. Understand your risk for cancer with the expertise of our specially trained providers, many of whom graduated from City of Hope’s Clinical Cancer Genomics Education Program – a renowned program with an international community of collaborators.

What is genetic testing?

Genetic testing involves checking for abnormal gene changes (mutations) that may increase your cancer risk. The process begins with a genetic evaluation to assess your personal and family health history and which tests you may need. It may also involve genetic counseling, which helps you understand the overall testing process, your results and guidance on next steps.

Types of genetic tests

Genetic tests can look at a specific gene or multiple genes at once. Certain gene mutations can affect your risk for developing several cancers, including:

• Brain cancer
• Breast cancer
• Colon cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Skin cancer
• Uterine cancer

Genetic testing uses and benefits

Genetic testing can help you and your family understand your risk for certain cancers. Abnormal gene changes (mutations) can be hereditary, meaning they are passed down through families. Hereditary gene mutations cause about 5-10% of cancers.

Understand and manage your risk

Sometimes just knowing your hereditary cancer risk is enough. But genetic counseling and testing allows you to take action if you want to. Based on your results, you can:

• Help family members understand their genetic risks
• Improve cancer screening strategies to prevent and catch cancer early
• Make lifestyle changes to help reduce your cancer risk
• Use the results to help guide family planning decisions

Confirm cancer diagnosis

Your provider may also recommend genetic testing to confirm a cancer diagnosis. Tests pinpoint the specific gene mutation that may have contributed to cancer development and show whether it’s hereditary.

This information can inform you and your relatives. It can also help guide your care. Your provider can personalize your treatment, such as using therapies targeted to the specific mutation or recommending clinical trials.

Who needs genetic cancer testing?

The decision to get genetic testing to learn your hereditary cancer risk is very personal. You should consider genetic counseling and testing if you have a known genetic mutation in your family.

Breast cancer history

You may benefit as well if you have a personal or family history of breast cancer, specifically:

• Breast cancer diagnosed at age 50 or younger
• Male breast cancer
• Triple negative breast cancer diagnosed at any age

History of other cancers

You may also consider seeing a genetic counselor if you have a personal or family history of:

• Colon or uterine cancer diagnosed at age 50 or younger
• Ovarian cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Prostate cancer that spread to other body parts

Other family history factors

Other family history factors that increase your risk for certain cancers include having:

• Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry
• The same cancer type in several family generations
• Three or more close relatives on the same side of your family with breast cancer, prostate cancer or both
• Three or more close relatives on the same side of your family with colon cancer, uterine cancer or both

What to expect with genetic testing

You’ll meet with a provider trained in genetics. The appointment usually lasts one to two hours. Your provider will:

• Review your personal and family health history in depth
• Recommend whether to get genetic testing
• Explain the genetic testing process
• Discuss possible test results and next steps
• Advise on ways to reduce your cancer risk

If possible, bring specific information about your family history, including:

• Age when diagnosed
• Cancer type
• Your relation to the family member

You’ll provide a saliva sample or have your blood drawn if you decide to get genetic testing. A third-party company will analyze the sample for one or more gene mutations, depending on your needs.

How long does genetic testing take?

You’ll receive genetic test results about four weeks after your appointment. Your provider will discuss the results with you and advise on any next steps.

Having a gene mutation does not guarantee that you will get cancer. Some people with cancer-associated gene mutations never develop cancer.

Genetic testing cost

Commercial insurance companies may cover genetic testing if you have cancer risk factors or if you already have cancer. The price of genetic testing is generally affordable if you need to pay out of pocket. You may also benefit from financial assistance or discounted fees from the third-party company that processes the test.