What Can I Expect With Genetic Testing?
If you’re considering genetic testing, you may have many questions and emotions. We understand and take the time to address your concerns, so you feel confident in your choice. Here’s what you can expect with the GREAT Program:
Consultation before your genetic testing
Before we begin testing, you will receive a consultation with a GREAT provider. We discuss:
- Your personal and family medical history of cancer
- Benefits and limitations of genetic tests
- Insurance coverage and any out-of-pocket costs
The day of your test
If you choose genetic testing, you will have a separate appointment for your test. Usually, we only need to collect one small sample of blood. We send the sample to a specialized lab for evaluation. In most cases, we receive your results within 2 to 3 weeks.
Receiving your results
After receiving your genetic test results, our providers carefully review and discuss the findings with you. We take the time to help you understand what the results mean for your health. We also provide emotional support and guidance on next steps or further testing if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
My genetic tests were positive. What does this mean for me and my family?
It can be stressful to learn you have a genetic abnormality linked to cancer. However, a positive result does not mean you will get cancer. We discuss your risk and recommend screenings and procedures that help detect cancer early, when treatment is more successful.
I received a negative result. How should I move forward?
Negative test results mean you don’t have any known genetic abnormalities that cause an increased cancer risk. Our team will talk with you about regular screening and cancer prevention strategies.
Do genetic tests detect all genetic mutations?
Experts already know about thousands of genetic abnormalities, and new ones continue to be discovered. Current genetic tests can successfully identify known mutations, but it is possible to have a mutation that has not yet been identified.
