Genomic Testing

Hereditary cancer genetic testing has evolved significantly over the last decade. What once focused primarily on BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations now includes panels analyzing 26 or more inherited gene mutations linked to elevated risk across multiple cancers, including breast, ovarian, colorectal, pancreatic, and prostate cancer, all from a single sample.

The purpose of hereditary cancer risk genetic testing has not changed: it helps identify inherited gene mutations that may increase a person’s lifetime risk of certain cancers. What has changed is our understanding of who may benefit from testing and how early this information can support care decisions. As clinical guidelines have expanded, more people may now be considered appropriate candidates for testing than in years past. This information can help individuals and their healthcare teams make more informed decisions about prevention, screening, and, if cancer is diagnosed, treatment planning.

A positive result does not mean someone will develop cancer. It means there is an increased inherited risk, allowing doctors and patients to take a more proactive approach through earlier screenings, prevention strategies, and personalized medical planning. A negative result can also provide valuable clarity and reassurance, helping individuals better understand their risk profile and recommended monitoring options.

The articles in this section explore the most important questions surrounding hereditary cancer risk genetic testing, including which inherited gene mutations are linked to higher risks for certain cancers, which genes matter most, who should consider testing, how testing works, what results actually mean, and what steps may follow after an elevated-risk finding.

Understanding inherited cancer risk is actionable information. The earlier it is identified, the more opportunities there may be to make informed decisions about long-term health.

Explore the articles below to learn more about hereditary cancer risk testing and where to start.