This test cannot detect all causes of hereditary predisposition to breast cancer. This test is limited to the genes on the panel and does not analyze genes associated with hereditary breast cancer other than those specified. This test does not examine each and every gene region that is associated with hereditary breast cancer, so the test cannot detect variants in those unexamined gene regions. There may be other genetics tests that are also appropriate depending on a patient’s personal or family history of cancer.
While this panel includes genes associated with a broad spectrum of other hereditary cancers besides breast cancer (for example the panel may identify genes associated with colon and ovarian cancer), this panel is not optimized for those other cancers. If the indication for testing is related to a different cancer type, alternative panels may be considered. If you have questions or would like to discuss test options, please call Quest Genomics Client Services at 1.866.GENE.INFO (1.866.436.3463) to speak with a genetic counselor.
In addition, the effect of rare or novel variants on cancer risk may remain unclear despite technical and clinical advances. Although rare, false positive or false negative results may occur for several reasons. Therefore, results should be interpreted in the context of clinical findings, relevant history, and other laboratory data. In some situations, additional genetic testing may be appropriate.
A genetic counselor or other qualified healthcare professional can help explain test results and what they mean for a patient and family members. A person’s cancer risks should be based on their own medical history and family history of cancer. A doctor, genetic counselor, or other qualified healthcare professional can help to estimate this risk. A team of specialized Quest genetic counselors or geneticists are available to speak with healthcare providers about test results by calling 1.866.GENE.INFO. Patients can access a directory of independent genetic counselors at FindAGeneticCounselor.com.