{"id":71898,"date":"2026-03-19T08:58:48","date_gmt":"2026-03-19T14:58:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/?p=71898"},"modified":"2026-03-19T08:58:53","modified_gmt":"2026-03-19T14:58:53","slug":"why-genetic-testing-for-breast-cancer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/why-genetic-testing-for-breast-cancer\/","title":{"rendered":"How aware are you of your risk for breast cancer?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"women
A genetic test helps to identify many potential cancer risks, leads to earlier preventive screenings and, in some cases, helps doctors select targeted cancer drugs if a genetic mutation is discovered. Photo: Getty Images.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Genetically speaking, what\u2019s in your family tree?<\/p>\n

How aware are you of your genetic risk for breast cancer?<\/p>\n

If someone in your immediate family has had breast, ovarian or prostate cancer \u2013 or there have been three cancers of the same type on one side of your family \u2013 <\/span>genetic counseling<\/a> is something to consider.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re concerned about breast cancer, a blood or saliva test can identify whether you have a mutation in a gene that increases your risk for breast cancer or other cancers.<\/p>\n

A genetic test helps to identify many potential cancer risks, leads to earlier preventive screenings and, in some cases, helps doctors select targeted cancer drugs if a genetic mutation is discovered.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur main goals are to make genetic testing available to anyone who wants it and to make sure everyone is getting the best cancer screening based on their family history and\/or genetics, so we can prevent cancer if we can, or at the very least, catch it as early as possible,\u2019\u2019 said Kim Kinnear, a UCHealth genetic counselor<\/a>.<\/p>\n

A 2023 article in the Journal of American Medical Association<\/a> shows a low percentage of patients and their relatives are getting tested. Among patients diagnosed with cancer in California and Georgia between 2013 and 2019, only 6.8% underwent genetic testing related to cancer risk. Compared with non-Hispanic White patients, rates of testing were lower among Asian, Black and Hispanic patients.<\/p>\n

Though most insurance plans cover this type of genetic testing, if you meet the criteria, the cost of an out-of-pocket genetic test is much less than it used to be. It\u2019s now $250.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think people hear genetic testing, and they think it\u2019s thousands of dollars, but it is not,\u2019\u2019 said Kinnear, who holds a master\u2019s degree in genetic counseling from Stanford University.<\/p>\n

To learn more about genetic testing for breast cancer, we asked Kinnear to answer questions about testing and its potential benefits to families<\/a>.<\/p>\n

What is genetic testing?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Genetic tests analyze genes to determine if you are at risk for developing a specific disease or are a carrier of a disease. Genetic testing also can help detect or diagnose a disease and predict how it may affect you.<\/p>\n

What is discovered through cancer genetic testing?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

In this type of genetic test, scientists look at all kinds of genes that are related to cancer risk and cancer protection.<\/p>\n

\u201cGenetic testing looks at your DNA, your genes. You\u2019ve got two copies of each gene, one that comes from mom, or the egg that makes you, and one that comes from dad, or the sperm that makes you,\u2019\u2019 Kinnear said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are primarily looking at genes whose job it is to protect us from cancer to see whether someone has inherited a damaged copy of any of these genes<\/a>,” she said. “If we find a damaged gene, that gene will tell us what cancers that person is at risk for, and we can recommend earlier or specialized cancer screening. We can also test family members to find out who else is at risk.”<\/p>\n

What does a person have to do to get this type of genetic test?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Kinnear recommends meeting with a genetic counselor to review your family history of cancer, discuss risks and benefits of genetic testing, and to discuss things like cost and insurance coverage of testing.<\/p>\n

Not all insurance companies cover genetic testing, but a genetic counselor can give you a good idea of whether you meet the criteria for testing and what your expected cost might be.<\/p>\n

If you decide to proceed with testing, you\u2019ll provide either a blood sample or a saliva sample. If a blood draw is taken, it is a maximum of two tubes of blood. A saliva kit can be mailed to your home. You would spit into a tube and then drop it off at Fed Ex, eliminating the need to travel to a clinic.<\/p>\n

UCHealth also offers phone and video visits for genetic counseling.<\/p>\n

Where is genetic counseling available at UCHealth?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

UCHealth has cancer genetic counselors at clinics in Colorado Springs, metro Denver and northern Colorado, including Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley and Steamboat Springs. But people outside these areas also can talk with a genetic counselor via telehealth or via telephone.<\/p>\n

UCHealth also has <\/span>Cancer Genetics and Prevention Clinics<\/a> in northern Colorado and metro Denver. These clinics help people who are at high risk of cancer, usually based on genetics. Kinnear said that at these clinics, providers see mutation-positive patients annually to advise them on any updates to screening recommendations for that gene. They help coordinate screenings and help with notification of relatives.<\/p>\n

Denver and northern Colorado also have high risk breast cancer providers<\/a>, who recommend screening and other care for those at high risk for breast cancer, specifically, she said.<\/p>\n

When should you talk to your doctor about genetic testing for breast cancer?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

If you have a relative with young breast cancer, or many family members with certain cancers, you should ask about a referral for genetic counseling.<\/p>\n

Note: first-degree relatives are children, siblings and parents. Second-degree relatives are grandchildren, nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, and grandparents.<\/p>\n

Here are broad guidelines to consider:<\/strong><\/h3>\n

If you, or your first- or second-degree relative(s) has had:<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
  • A breast cancer diagnosed at age 50 or under<\/li>\n
  • An ovarian cancer (any age, NOT cervical cancer)<\/li>\n
  • A breast cancer in an individual assigned male at birth<\/li>\n
  • 3+ relatives on the same side of the family with breast cancer or prostate cancer (e.g., dad had prostate cancer, dad\u2019s sister and mother had breast cancer)<\/li>\n
  • Known genetic risk factor (gene mutation) for cancer in the family<\/li>\n
  • Breast cancer in the family and Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry on that side of the family<\/li>\n
  • High-grade prostate cancer or metastatic prostate cancer (spread outside the prostate)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    If you or your first-degree relative has had:<\/strong><\/p>\n

      \n
    • Pancreatic cancer (any age)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      How long does it take to get results back once blood or saliva is submitted?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

      \u00a0<\/strong>Two to three weeks<\/p>\n

      What are the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

      These genes produce proteins that help repair damaged DNA. People who inherit damaging variants, or \u201cmutations,\u201d in one of these genes have increased risk for breast, ovarian, prostate cancer, and other types of cancer. There are also many other genes beyond BRCA1 and BRCA2 that increase risk for breast cancer and other cancers. Testing typically looks at a panel of at least 60 genes related to cancer risk.<\/p>\n

      What happens after the results are known?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

      The genetic counselor meets with patients when results are available. Even if results are negative, counselors may recommend potential changes in screening based on family history. If there is colon cancer in the family, for instance, colonoscopies may be recommended sooner.<\/p>\n

      \u201cIf a test is positive for genetic mutation, we walk them through what the results mean. We walk them through how to let family members know so they can be tested,\u2019\u2019 Kinnear said.<\/p>\n

      UCHealth also has a new Cancer Genetics and Prevention Clinic in Fort Collins\/Loveland and metro Denver. The clinic helps people who are high-risk for cancer, usually based on genetics. Providers see mutation-positive patients annually to advise on any updates to screening recommendations for that gene, coordinate screening and help with notification of relatives.<\/p>\n

      If you have had positive genetic testing, it is likely relevant for many of your blood relatives, not just your children. \u201cPeople say, \u2018Oh, I should tell my kids?\u2019 and we say, \u2018and your siblings, and your nieces and nephews and your cousins,\u2019\u2019\u2019 Kinnear said.<\/p>\n

      If a test is negative, does that mean a person has no risk?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

      No. It doesn\u2019t mean somebody doesn\u2019t have any risk.<\/p>\n

      \u201cWe don\u2019t know all of the genes that are associated with cancer risk yet,\u2019\u2019 Kinnear said. \u201cSo we have families that have many people with breast cancer, but we get negative results all around so we\u2019re left with \u2018Gosh, there\u2019s something happening in this family. We\u2019re not sure what, we can\u2019t find it with the testing that we have, but the women are still going to be at higher risk.\u2019\u2019\u2019 Women in that family may have recommendations for earlier mammograms or screening in addition to a mammogram each year, such as adding a breast MRI for screening.<\/p>\n

      If a test is positive, does that mean a person will develop cancer?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

      A positive test means you are at higher risk of developing a hereditary condition, but it is not a guarantee that you will get cancer.<\/p>\n

      What if a person has been diagnosed with breast cancer, should they receive genetic testing?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

      In 2019, The American Society of Breast Surgeons did a study looking at women with breast cancer. Between those who met criteria for testing and those who didn\u2019t, half of the mutations were in women who did not meet the criteria. Some UCHealth sites are offering genetic counseling to all women who have had breast cancer.<\/p>\n

      \u201cEven if somebody has had breast cancer and they have never had genetic testing because they were told, \u2018Oh you were 70, we don\u2019t need to do that \u2013 you don\u2019t meet criteria,\u2019 we are seeing them now,\u2019\u2019 Kinnear said.<\/p>\n

      How does genetic testing benefit women and men who have been diagnosed with breast cancer?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

      For individuals newly diagnosed with breast cancer, genetic testing may help a patient decide how to proceed with their care. For instance, if a patient is eligible for a lumpectomy to remove the cancerous tumor, and genetic testing shows they are at risk for another breast cancer, they may opt for bilateral mastectomies, or removal of both breasts.<\/p>\n

      \u201cWe are treating this cancer and preventing a future one in patients who are high risk,\u2019\u2019 Kinnear said. \u201cSometimes genetic testing comes into play in guiding treatment. That is becoming more common. Some of these genes have targeted treatments associated with them and doctors might consider those treatments now, or in the future, to treat the cancer.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n

      People have trepidation about whether they want to know or not know their genetic risk. How is this accommodated?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

      \u00a0<\/strong>\u201cIf someone is on the fence, that is what we are here for. Genetic counselors are not here to push someone into genetic testing; that\u2019s not my job. My job is to walk you through all of the options,\u2019\u2019 Kinnear said. \u201cThe way I most often think about it is, whether you have a genetic risk for cancer or not, you have it. If we know about it, we can do early or extra screening. There\u2019s nothing that we test for that we just say, \u2018Oh, you are high risk. Best of luck out there.\u2019 There is always some sort of follow-up plan to screen for cancers that they are at risk for.\u201d<\/p>\n

      Kinnear said it is not uncommon for her to have people who are hesitant themselves, but they want to know for their kids so they can be tested and screened earlier, if needed.<\/p>\n

      \u201cAnother thing that comes up, is people say \u2018I worry that if I test positive that I\u2019m just going to be worrying about getting cancer all the time,\u2019\u2019\u2019 Kinnear said. She reminds them that if there\u2019s a history of cancer in their family, it may already be top of mind.<\/p>\n

      Can a medical insurance company use positive test results against you?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

      \u00a0<\/strong>A federal law called GINA \u2013 Genetic Information Non-discrimination Act — protects individuals from a health insurance company or an employer using a genetic test against a patient.<\/p>\n

      \u201cIf someone tests positive, they can\u2019t be fired from a job, they can\u2019t lose their health insurance, they cannot be charged more for health insurance if they are switching \u2013 none of that,\u2019\u2019 Kinnear said. \u201cWhat\u2019s not covered under GINA is that if someone plans to apply for more life insurance, long-term care insurance — those sorts of plans — these are things we talk about in our visit.\u201d<\/p>\n

      \u201cA lot of people are concerned that their health insurance is going to be affected in some way and that is not the case. That law was passed in 2008.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n

      What types of cancers are genetic or hereditary?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

      Major cancer types include: breast, ovarian (including fallopian tube and primary peritoneal), uterine, prostate, pancreatic, colon\/rectal, stomach (gastric), kidney, melanoma, thyroid, and others. If these cancers run in your family, consider speaking with your primary care provider about a referral to a cancer genetic counselor.<\/p>\n

      This has evolved over the years but, for now, Kinnear doesn\u2019t typically think of the following cancers as hereditary or genetic:<\/p>\n

        \n
      • Lung cancer in smokers.<\/li>\n
      • Cancers that are thought to be related to HPV (Human Papilloma Virus, a common sexually transmitted virus). This includes cancers like cervical, anal, vaginal, labial, penile, mouth and tongue.<\/li>\n
      • Non-melanoma skin cancers (squamous cell and basal cell types) are typically thought to be related to sun exposure.<\/li>\n
      • Liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma, \u201cHCC\u201d), especially in those who had known hepatitis or cirrhosis.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

        Genetically speaking, what\u2019s in your family tree? How aware are you of your genetic risk for breast cancer? If someone in your immediate family has had breast, ovarian or prostate cancer \u2013 or there have been three cancers of the same type on one side of your family \u2013 genetic counseling is something to consider. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":20,"featured_media":71933,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[9190,6835,28,47],"class_list":["post-71898","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-healthy-living","tag-adult-genetic-testing","tag-breast-cancer-treatment","tag-cancer-care-oncology","tag-genetic-testing-and-counseling"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nWhy genetic testing for breast cancer? - UCHealth Today<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"What\u2019s in your family tree? 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