At North Florida Women’s Care, we believe knowledge is one of the most powerful tools in your healthcare. That’s why we offer the MyRisk Hereditary Cancer Test, from Myriad Genetics, to our patients.
What is the MyRisk Test?
Hereditary cancer testing is a genetic test that helps you and your provider find out if you’re at higher risk for developing cancer due to certain genetic changes that can be passed down through families. The MyRisk Test looks at 63 genes to help assess your risk for 11 different hereditary cancers, giving you and your care team a clear, evidence-based picture of your personal risk.
The test is designed for people of all ancestries.
Why It Matters
If you carry a genetic change linked to hereditary cancer, your parents, children, and siblings each have a 50% chance of carrying that same change, and other blood relatives on that side of the family may be at risk too. In some rare hereditary cancer syndromes, that risk can be as high as 100% for developing certain cancers.
A Personalized Breast Cancer Risk Estimate, Too
For many patients, the MyRisk Test also includes RiskScore®, a personalized estimate of your five-year and remaining lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. RiskScore combines your genetic results with your personal clinical risk factors, family history, and specific breast cancer genetic markers. It’s twice as accurate as the traditional Tyrer-Cuzick (IBIS) model used on its own, giving you and your provider a much clearer, more personalized picture of your risk over time.
What the Process Actually Looks Like
We know “genetic testing” can sound intimidating, but the process is simple:
- The sample: A simple saliva sample is all it takes.
- The timeline: Results are typically available within two weeks.
- The support: Your provider or nurse will walk you through the entire process. This includes the why the test is recommended, to what your results mean, to what steps (if any) come next.
- The accuracy: The MyRisk Test has 99.9% accuracy and one of the lowest rates of uncertain results for BRCA1/2 genes, and your report is updated as new genetic discoveries are made.
What About Cost?
We understand cost is often the first question and a fair one. Based on a review of a full year of insurance claims data across major U.S. carriers, most patients face no out-of-pocket cost for the MyRisk Test. Before your test is run, our team will make sure you understand your coverage and any potential cost, so there are no surprises on your bill.
Talk to Your Provider!
Whether you have a strong family history of cancer or none at all, hereditary cancer testing is a conversation worth having. Your provider or nurse at North Florida Women’s Care can help you understand whether MyRisk testing is right for you, walk you through the simple sample collection process, and support you every step of the way.
Ready to learn more? Ask your provider about the MyRisk Hereditary Cancer Test at your next visit.
Myriad Genetics, MyRisk® Hereditary Cancer Test (myriad.com)
