Genetic Testing Can Save Lives. But Too Many People Are Left Out.

Genetic testing can provide individuals with valuable information about their health, including whether they carry genetic changes that increase their risk of developing cancer. However, many people still miss out on this type of testing today. Sometimes it’s because they don’t meet strict insurance requirements, sometimes because of cost, and sometimes simply because their doctor doesn’t suggest it.

At Kadance, we believe that everyone deserves access to the best care and the most advanced testing, regardless of their age, race, or background. That’s why we make genetic testing and expert support a core part of our program from day one.

A recent study in JAMA Network Open highlights the importance of this work.

What the Study Looked At

Researchers studied over 2,400 women with breast cancer, ranging in age from 18 to 93, and from many racial and ethnic backgrounds. Everyone was genetically tested for changes in two important genes: BRCA1 and BRCA2. When changed (or “mutated”), these genes can raise the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, and knowing about those changes can impact treatment decisions and help families understand their own risks.

What They Found

The results showed that narrow rules about who “should” get tested are leaving too many people out:

• Approximately 1 in 20 women (nearly 5%) had a BRCA1 or BRCA2 change.
• Black women in the study showed a higher rate of BRCA1 or BRCA2 changes, with about 8 in 100 testing positive.
• Hispanic women were almost twice as likely as non-Hispanic women to have a BRCA1 gene change.
• Even women over 60 carried these changes often enough that testing only young women misses essential cases.

The takeaway: if testing is limited to certain age groups, family histories, or insurance criteria, many people at risk will be overlooked.

How Kadance Helps

At Kadance, we remove those barriers so more people can benefit from advanced genetic insights. Here’s how:

• Day-one access – Every member gets access to hereditary cancer risk testing at no extra cost. There are no insurance hoops to jump through, no surprise bills, and no delays.
• Simple collection – Our test uses an easy, painless cheek swab that can be done at home. No needles or no lab visits required.
• Clear results – Members receive a detailed report that they can share with their doctor, providing the information they need to make informed health decisions.
• Expert support – Genetic counselors are available to explain results, answer questions, and discuss the implications of the findings for health and next steps.

Closing the Gap

The research makes one thing clear: when access to genetic testing is limited, people are left without information that could change, or even save, their lives. Kadance exists to close that gap. By making genetic testing simple, affordable, and accessible from the start, we help ensure that no one is left behind due to their age, race, or insurance status.

Because everyone deserves the best care.

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Resources:

Mortimer JE, Lindsey SS, Zukin E, et al. Prevalence of BRCA1 and BRCA2 Variants in an Unselected Population of Women With Breast Cancer. JAMA Netw Open. 2025;8(9):e2531577. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.31577