Research shows certain risk factors can increase the chances of developing cancer. Some of these factors – like tobacco use – can be controlled. Others – like age and family history – are beyond our control.
Knowing your personal and family history of cancer is important so you and your physician can make more informed decisions and take a personalized, proactive approach to your health care. 

Cancer genetic testing assesses a person for multiple genetic mutations associated with increased risk for eight different cancers, including:

• Breast
• Ovarian
• Endometrial/Uterine
• Prostate
• Melanoma
• Pancreatic
• Colon
• Gastric

If our healthcare professionals recommend cancer genetic testing, it can be done right in Thompson’s Canandaigua Medical Group OB/GYN office. A provider will collect saliva by using a saliva sample which is then shipped to a medical laboratory specializing in genetic testing for analysis. 

Test results will be delivered directly to the Canandaigua OB/GYN office. The staff will schedule an appointment to discuss your results. Please refrain from eating or drinking 30 minutes before collection of saliva.

Canandaigua Medical Group OB/GYN
335 Parrish Street, Canandaigua
(585) 393-2800
 

Red Flags for Hereditary Cancer

You may wish to consider cancer genetic testing if you answer “yes” to any of the following questions:

• Multiple: Have you or your family members been diagnosed with more than one cancer or have there been multiple cancers on the same side of the family?
• Young: Have you or your family members been diagnosed with cancer at a young age (50 or younger)?
  Rare: Have you or your family members been diagnosed with a rare cancer such as ovarian or male breast cancer?
• Ancestry: Are you of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry?

This screening program is the most accurate way to estimate the probability of specific cancer risks. Test results can help you and your physician make important decisions about your medical care. Deciding whether or not to have genetic testing is a personal choice. The choice can be made at the time of the consultation or at a future date.

Managing Your Increased Cancer Risk

Knowing if you are at increased risk for cancer empowers you to make life-saving decisions. You and your physician can work together to create a personalized plan to prevent cancer, identify cancer at an earlier, more treatable stage or prevent secondary cancers. Your personalized prevention or treatment plan may include things such as:

• Increased surveillance
• Risk-reducing medications
• Risk-reducing surgery
• Treatment options

FAQs

Will my health insurance pay for my testing?

• 97% of private insurance companies have coverage for hereditary cancer testing for those who qualify
• 3 out of 4 patients pay $0
• Average patient out-of-pocket cost is $54
• Under the Affordable Care Act, BRCA testing is considered a preventive service with $0 patient out-of-pocket costs for women who are not currently being treated for breast or ovarian cancer

Can my health insurance coverage be impacted by the results?

The Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act (GINA) and laws in most states prohibit discrimination regarding employing eligibility, health benefits, or health insurance premiums solely on the basis of genetic information.

What if I have a high-deductible plan or co-insurance?

If you have a high deductible or co-insurance, you may qualify for financial assistance. The testing lab will do a preauthorization to confirm your coverage before running the test. They will discuss assistance available to you and you can then decide to stop the process or continue with the testing.

What is the difference between an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) and a bill?

Your insurance carrier will process our claim and then send you an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) – THIS IS NOT A BILL. Most patients do not receive a bill, and you will NOT be responsible for any balance unless you receive a bill directly form Myriad, even if you receive a denial letter from your insurance company. If you have concerns about your EOB please contact Myriad at (844) 697-4239 or billing help@myriad.com