How Does Genetic Cancer Testing Work?

Understanding your family history plays an important role in protecting your health. Read on to learn how genetic cancer testing works, who may benefit from it, and how results can guide screening and prevention decisions.

Cancer can feel scary and personal, especially when it seems to appear repeatedly within a family. Certain genetic mutations, like BRCA1 and BRCA2, may account for as much as 15% of all breast and ovarian cancers.

You may wonder if your own health history or family history places you at increased risk for certain cancers. Genetic cancer testing offered here at Women’s Care of Beverly Hills provides a way to better understand your risk and, in some cases, take proactive steps toward prevention and early detection.

About genetic cancer testing

Genetic cancer testing looks for inherited changes, or mutations, in specific genes that are linked to an increased risk of developing certain cancers.

Some of the most well-known are the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which are associated with higher risks of breast and ovarian cancer. However, there are many other genes that may also contribute to inherited cancer risk. A multigene panel test offers a comprehensive analysis of your cancer risk.

Who should consider testing?

Testing usually happens after a thorough consultation during which the OB/GYN team here at Women’s Care of Beverly Hills reviews your personal and family medical history, including cancers diagnosed in parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and even children.

We ask for as many details as possible, such as the type of cancer and the age at diagnosis. These answers can help determine whether genetic testing may be appropriate for you.

If you have multiple family members affected by cancer, relatives diagnosed at younger ages, or family histories of breast, ovarian, colon, or uterine cancer, we may encourage you to consider testing. Even if you’re healthy and have never had cancer yourself, understanding your inherited risk can still be valuable.

What happens during the test?

If you do go forward with testing, know that the process is quite simple. Most genetic cancer tests require only a blood sample or a saliva sample. We send the sample to a laboratory, where specialists analyze the DNA for inherited gene mutations associated with increased cancer risk.

Testing itself is quick, but results may take several weeks depending on the complexity of the analysis.

Understanding your results

Results typically fall into a few categories. A ‘positive’ result means the lab identified a known mutation that may increase cancer risk. This doesn’t mean cancer is present or guaranteed to develop, but it can help guide future screening and prevention strategies.

A ‘negative’ result means the lab found no known mutation. In some cases, results may identify a ‘variant of uncertain significance,’ meaning there’s not yet enough information to determine whether a specific gene change increases risk.

Our team is here to help you understand what the results mean for you personally. A positive result can feel overwhelming at first, but it can also provide clarity. You find reassurance when you have more information and a plan moving forward.

How genetic testing can guide care

Depending on the results, we may recommend earlier or more frequent screenings, additional imaging, preventive medications, or referrals to specialists. Genetic testing may also provide valuable information for family members, since inherited mutations can run in families.

Not everyone needs genetic cancer testing, but for some women, it can be an important tool in making informed decisions about long-term health.

Having open conversations with our team about your family history and concerns can help determine whether testing is right for you and what next steps may be most appropriate. Reach out to Women’s Care of Beverly Hills today by phone or make an appointment online to start the conversation about cancer screening.