Community Offers Genetic Testing for Hereditary Cancer

A cancer diagnosis is never expected. That’s why it’s important to be informed about your risk level. Up to 10% of cancer is hereditary, so it’s crucial to know what (if any) cancers you may be predisposed to based on genetics. Community Health Network is here to help with that.

Through our partnership with Ambry Genetics and the CARE Program™, we are proud to offer genetic testing for our patients. Our goal is to help empower patients with information about any risks they may have for certain types of hereditary cancers and provide them with a personalized and proactive plan to help them stay in control of their health.

What Is Genetic Testing?

Genetic testing is a medical test that looks for changes in your DNA, sometimes called mutations. The test itself is a simple collection of saliva or blood that is sent to a lab to be analyzed. This information about any genetic mutations you may have related to hereditary cancers will help your provider recommend next steps for enhanced preventive care.

This test can detect mutations related to several common cancers including breast, colon, ovarian, uterine, pancreatic, stomach, skin, prostate and kidney.

How Do I Know if I Qualify?

Patients 25 and older with an upcoming annual physical or new patient appointment with primary care or OB/GYN care will be sent a questionnaire five days prior to the visit via text message from the CARE platform. The short questionnaire will ask you for some information about your family and personal cancer history.

Based on your answers, whether you meet medical guideline criteria for genetic testing will be determined and reported to your healthcare provider. Breast cancer risk will also be calculated, and some people may learn that they qualify for increased breast cancer screening.

If you don’t meet medical guideline criteria for genetic testing or increased breast cancer screening, you’ll be thanked for completing the questionnaire. Remaining questions about your risk should be directed to your healthcare provider.

If you do meet medical guideline criteria for genetic testing, you’ll be notified and provided with educational videos with more information about hereditary cancer and genetic testing. The results of your questionnaire will be added to your chart for your provider to discuss with you at your upcoming appointment.

How Do I Get Tested?

If you meet medical guideline criteria for genetic testing, your provider will discuss next steps with you at your appointment and can help answer any questions you may have. Your provider will order the test for you if you’d like to move forward with genetic testing and will help coordinate a sample collection.

The results typically take 2 – 3 weeks to come back and will be sent to you as well as your provider. You can also access your results in MyChart.

What Happens After I Get My Results?

If you test positive for certain gene mutations, your provider will refer you to Community Health Network’s Genetic Counseling team for an appointment. With the results of your test, our genetic counselors will be able to help create a personalized plan for you and your family to proactively address your risks.

How Much Will This Cost?

Ambry’s goal is to provide transparent cost estimates to all patients.

The average cost for testing is $100 or less, and Ambry offers billing options including self-pay and Patient Assistance Programs.

To learn more, visit our genetic testing page or schedule your annual physical today.