Hereditary Cancer Test FAQs

Hereditary cancers are passed down through generations. They’re caused by gene mutations present in an egg or sperm cell at the time of fertilization. These genetic mutations increase a person's chances of developing cancer. 

Some of the most common types of hereditary cancers include pancreatic, ovarian, uterine and melanoma cancers. Some less common kinds include breast, colon and prostate. Research estimates that about 10% of all cancers are hereditary. 

You have a strong family history of cancer if you have an immediate family member with:

• A rare cancer linked to genetic mutations
• Two or more types of cancer
• Cancer diagnosed before the age of 50

You also have a strong family history of cancer if your ethnicity is linked to certain inherited cancers or you have more than one close relative diagnosed with the same type of cancer. 

Genetic testing can help identify the specific mutation that's associated with your risk of developing a particular cancer. This knowledge will help you take preventive steps early to lower your risk and improve your overall health. It will also help you know what cancer symptoms to watch out for and which cancers to screen for more frequently. Mutated genes don't always form into cancers. 

The main difference between hereditary and non-hereditary cancers is how they develop. Hereditary cancers are formed from gene mutations that are present at birth. Non-hereditary cancers are formed by gene mutations in non-reproductive cells. These mutations are acquired sometime after birth and caused by a variety of factors. 

If you took our questionnaire and found you're not eligible, you should continue with standard screening procedures as directed by your Mercy doctor.
 

In some cases, you may want to consider another type of testing or screening. For instance, you may want to get a breast MRI based on a family history of breast cancer.

Our Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) test may also be an option. You can complete our eligibility screener here. 

Yes. You can choose to pay the out-of-pocket cost of $249 if the test isn't covered by your insurance. 

Testing can be completed with a saliva sample or blood test. There are some advantages to the blood test, but it does require a lab draw. Results are usually available within a couple weeks.

Your positive test result means you may have an increased risk for certain types of cancer. This doesn't mean you have cancer. The next step in your care journey will be speaking with a genetic counselor and your provider to discuss your results. Together, you'll develop a strategy to reduce your risk for cancer or increase your screening for some types of cancer.

A variant of uncertain significance (VUS) result means there's not enough data to determine your risk level. In general, a VUS result is considered a negative test. But we still recommend meeting with a genetic counselor to discuss next steps, as needed.

This means you aren't at an increased risk for a cancer associated with a genetic mutation. Your negative result won't change over time, so this test isn't generally repeated later. Continue regular screenings as directed by your Mercy doctor. 

A genetic counselor is someone with special knowledge of the abnormal mutation found on your test. Following your test, we'll set up a free virtual visit with a genetic counselor to discuss your results.  
 

During your appointment, they'll help you understand any findings and discuss a care plan to lower your risk. Your personal care plan will be saved in your MyMercy account for easy reference.

The out-of-pocket cost for the test is $249.

Many health insurance plans will cover the cost of genetic testing when it's recommended by a doctor. Since specific coverage can vary, it's always a good idea to call your insurance to be sure. 

Yes. Mercy works with Tempus to provide financial assistance to patients based in the U.S.
 

You can complete your financial assistance application here or call the Tempus support team at 1-800-739-4137.

If you're concerned about your out-of-pocket costs, you may email [email protected] for more info. 

It depends. Policies change from state to state.
 

If you're a Medicaid patient and complete the Tempus financial assistance application, it's highly unlikely that you'll have any out-of-pocket costs. 

No. Once the test has been submitted to insurance, you must use insurance coverage. You can't pay out-of-pocket, even if it's the less expensive option. 

The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 prohibits employers and health insurers from using your genetic information to discriminate against you. This doesn't include life and long-term disability insurance. If these insurance options are important to you, we recommend getting them before your test.