Good to knowOne result rarely tells the whole story. Your provider looks at your results together with your symptoms, exam, and other tests.
What the test is
Meeting with a genetic counselor before and after testing is recommended.
Why it's done
- Strong family history of breast, ovarian, pancreatic, or prostate cancer
- Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry with family history
- A personal history of certain cancers
Getting ready and what happens
- Gather your family's cancer history.
How the test is done
- A blood draw or saliva sample.
What the results mean
Harmful change found
Extra screening, preventive medicines or surgery, and testing relatives may be recommended.
Variant of uncertain significance
Usually treated like a negative result until more is known.
Questions to ask your provider
- What do my results mean for me?
- Do I need to repeat this test or have other tests?
Risks
A blood draw is very safe. You may have slight pain or a small bruise where the needle went in.
Related conditions
Related medicines
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.