Did You Know?
Genetic testing for hereditary cancer is now the standard of care. Over the years the criteria for genetic testing have expanded greatly.
Currently, genetic testing is recommended for all women diagnosed with breast cancer at 65 or under. Women over 65 with a diagnosis of a triple negative breast cancer, (estrogen, progesterone and Her2 negative) are also recommended to have genetic testing. For any women with a diagnosis of breast cancer and a family history of breast, ovarian, pancreatic, or prostate cancer, you may also qualify for genetic testing.
Women without a diagnosis of breast cancer, but who have a family history of breast cancer in three or more women, ovarian, pancreatic cancer and prostate cancer in men, on the same side of the family, may be eligible for genetic testing for hereditary cancer syndromes. Family history includes 1st, 2nd and 3rd degree relatives. These are your parents, children, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents and great aunts and uncles.
If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer in the past and were not eligible for genetic testing, you may meet current criteria.
Genetic testing through direct to consumer (DTC) testing companies is not comparable to the testing through genetics labs. DTC labs, such as 23 and Me and Ancestry, will miss a large proportion of genetic mutations.
Contact your oncologist or primary care provider for a referral. In some institutions you may be able to self-refer. Genetic testing services are available throughout NH at most hospitals.
Denise Jeffery APRN, CGRA
VP, NHBCC