Learn About Genetic Testing
Comprehensive, medically reviewed guides on hereditary cancer risk, genetic testing, and what your results mean for you and your family.
Looking for a specific gene?
Browse BRCA1, BRCA2, ATM, MLH1, and 6 other hereditary cancer genes.
BRCA Gene Testing: The Complete Guide to Understanding Your Risk
Everything you need to know about BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic testing, from who should get tested to understanding results and next steps. Medically reviewed.
9 min read →Hereditary CancerHereditary Cancer Screening: Who Needs It and What to Expect
Learn who should consider hereditary cancer screening, what the process involves, and how early detection can save lives. Medically reviewed guide.
8 min read →TestingGenetic Counseling for Cancer: Your Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about genetic counseling for cancer risk, from what to expect in a session to understanding your results and next steps.
9 min read →Hereditary CancerBRCA1 Gene Mutation: Cancer Risks, Testing, and Next Steps
A BRCA1 mutation significantly raises breast and ovarian cancer risk. Learn about risk levels, testing criteria, screening, and next steps.
7 min read →Hereditary CancerBRCA2 Gene Mutation: Cancer Risks, Testing, and Next Steps
A BRCA2 mutation raises breast, ovarian, pancreatic, and prostate cancer risk. Learn about risk levels, screening, and what to do next.
7 min read →Hereditary CancerPALB2 Gene Mutation: Cancer Risk, Screening, and Next Steps
A PALB2 mutation significantly raises breast and pancreatic cancer risk. Learn about risk levels, testing criteria, and recommended screening.
7 min read →Hereditary CancerATM Gene Mutation: Cancer Risks, Screening, and Next Steps
An ATM gene mutation raises breast, ovarian, and pancreatic cancer risk. Learn about risk levels, who should test, and recommended screening.
7 min read →Hereditary CancerCHEK2 Gene Mutation: Cancer Risks, Screening, and Next Steps
A CHEK2 mutation raises breast and colon cancer risk. Learn what the research says about risk levels, recommended screening, and what to do next.
6 min read →Hereditary CancerMLH1 Gene: Lynch Syndrome, Cancer Risks, and What to Do
Understand the MLH1 gene, its central role in Lynch syndrome, colorectal and endometrial cancer risk statistics, testing guidelines, and management options.
2 min read →Hereditary CancerMSH2 Gene Mutation: Lynch Syndrome, Risks, and Screening
MSH2 mutations cause Lynch syndrome, raising colon, uterine, and ovarian cancer risk. Learn about screening and what Lynch syndrome carriers need.
7 min read →Hereditary CancerTP53 Gene: Li-Fraumeni Syndrome, Cancer Risks, and What to Do
Learn about the TP53 gene, its role in Li-Fraumeni syndrome, the wide spectrum of associated cancers, lifetime risk statistics, and management strategies for carriers.
2 min read →Hereditary CancerCDH1 Gene: Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer and What to Do
Understand the CDH1 gene, its role in hereditary diffuse gastric cancer and lobular breast cancer, risk statistics, testing guidelines, and management options.
2 min read →Hereditary CancerPTEN Gene: Cowden Syndrome, Cancer Risks, and What to Do
Learn about the PTEN gene, its role in Cowden syndrome, breast, thyroid, and endometrial cancer risk statistics, testing recommendations, and management strategies.
2 min read →ResultsUnderstanding Your Genetic Test Results
Learn what positive, negative, and variant of uncertain significance (VUS) genetic test results mean, and what steps to take after receiving your results.
4 min read →ResultsVariant of Uncertain Significance: What It Means
If your genetic test found a variant of uncertain significance (VUS), learn what it means, why it’s common, how it may be reclassified, and what steps to take.
3 min read →ResultsCascade Testing: Why Your Results Matter for Your Family
Learn how cascade testing — targeted genetic testing for relatives after a pathogenic variant is found — can protect your family through early detection and prevention.
3 min read →ResultsYour Genetic Test Was Positive: What Happens Next
If your genetic test identified a pathogenic variant, learn what happens next — from enhanced screening schedules and risk-reduction options to family testing and support resources.
5 min read →ResultsCHEK2 Positive: What This Moderate-Risk Gene Result Means for You and Your Family
Learn what a positive CHEK2 result means, how it differs from BRCA, what cancer risks are associated with CHEK2 mutations, and what screening and management steps to take.
4 min read →ResultsWhat to Expect in a Genetic Counseling Session: A Complete Walkthrough
Learn what happens before, during, and after a genetic counseling session for hereditary cancer risk, including how to prepare, what the counselor will discuss, and your follow-up options.
5 min read →BasicsWhat Is Genetic Testing? A Complete Guide
Learn what genetic testing is, how it works, what types exist, and how it can reveal whether you carry gene changes linked to hereditary cancer risk.
8 min read →Hereditary CancerHereditary vs. Sporadic Cancer: Understanding the Difference
Learn the key differences between hereditary and sporadic cancer, how to recognize patterns that suggest a genetic component, and why it matters for your family.
7 min read →Hereditary CancerBRCA1 and BRCA2 Genes: What You Need to Know
Understand the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, what mutations in these genes mean for cancer risk, who should consider testing, and what options are available.
9 min read →Hereditary CancerLynch Syndrome: Causes, Risks, and Screening
A comprehensive guide to Lynch syndrome (HNPCC): which genes are involved, associated cancer risks, screening guidelines, and what a diagnosis means for families.
9 min read →TestingWho Should Consider Genetic Testing for Cancer?
Find out if your personal or family history suggests you may benefit from hereditary cancer genetic testing, based on clinical guideline criteria.
8 min read →TestingThe Genetic Testing Process: Step by Step
Walk through every step of hereditary cancer genetic testing, from risk assessment and education to at-home sample collection, results, and follow-up counseling.
8 min read →SupportInsurance Coverage and Privacy Protections for Genetic Testing
Understand how insurance covers genetic testing, what GINA protects, privacy rights under HIPAA, and the cost landscape for hereditary cancer screening.
8 min read →BasicsA Family Member Was Just Diagnosed with Cancer. Am I at Risk?
If a parent, sibling, or close relative was just diagnosed with cancer, learn how to evaluate your own hereditary risk and what steps you can take to protect yourself.
9 min read →SupportI Was Just Diagnosed with Cancer. Should My Family Get Tested?
If you’ve recently been diagnosed with cancer, learn how genetic testing can clarify whether your cancer has a hereditary component and what that means for your family.
8 min read →SupportWhat If I’m Afraid of Knowing My Results?
If you’re hesitant about genetic testing because you’re afraid of what you might learn, you are not alone. Here’s what to know about facing that fear.
7 min read →TestingShould I Find Out My Cancer Risk Before Starting a Family?
If you’re thinking about starting a family and have cancer in your family history, learn how genetic testing before pregnancy can inform your planning.
8 min read →TestingI Had Cancer Years Ago and Was Never Offered Genetic Testing
If you were diagnosed with cancer years ago and were never offered genetic testing, learn why testing may still be valuable for you and your family.
8 min read →TestingYour Doctor Recommended Genetic Testing — Here’s What That Means
If your doctor recommended you consider genetic testing for cancer risk, here’s a clear explanation of what that involves, why they recommended it, and what to expect.
7 min read →TestingClinical Genetic Testing vs. 23andMe: What’s the Difference?
Understand the critical differences between clinical-grade hereditary cancer genetic testing and consumer DNA tests like 23andMe.
8 min read →SupportI Don’t Know My Family History. Can I Still Get Tested?
If you’re adopted, have limited contact with biological family, or simply don’t know your family medical history, learn how genetic testing can still help.
7 min read →BasicsWhy Does It Matter to Know Early?
If you have wondered whether there is a real benefit to knowing your hereditary cancer risk before anything is wrong, here is what the evidence shows about early detection, prevention, and outcomes.
8 min read →BasicsHow Knowing Your Genetic Risk Improves Cancer Survival
See the evidence: how identifying a hereditary cancer gene variant before diagnosis leads to earlier detection, less aggressive treatment, and significantly better survival outcomes.
9 min read →Should You Get Tested?
Free 60-second screener based on NCCN guidelines — no account needed
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