Have You Wondered About Getting Genetic Testing for Breast Cancer?
May 9, 2022
By: Laura Childs, RN
Categories: Breast Health
About 1-in-8 women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime.
Many women are concerned about their risk of developing breast cancer. Overall, about 1-in-8 women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime, so the risk level is not terribly high for most women. However, genetics can play a role for some kinds of cancer, including breast cancer. So, if a close relative developed cancer, you may be at higher risk. Genetic testing can identify specific genes known to increase the risk of breast cancer.
Patients are sometimes referred to St. Mary’s Breast Health Center specifically for genetic testing, usually by their primary care physician (PCP). But whether you are coming to us for this testing or for another reason, we ask all patients to fill out a risk assessment form.
The genetic risk assessment form is part of our routine patient paperwork, for all patients. The form, known as the “Cancer Family History/High Risk Assessment Form,” basically asks if you or your close relatives have ever been diagnosed with cancer. We also ask for their age of diagnosis and the type of cancer.
Dr. Kathleen Jeffery, our region’s only female surgeon specializing in breast health, will thoroughly review your form and then talk with you about your family’s cancer history. Dr. Jeffery is well-versed in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines for when genetic testing is appropriate.
If you and Dr. Jeffery decide that your risk level is high enough to potentially impact your care or if it is something that you are seriously interested in pursuing, the process begins.
Common questions:
What are the first steps?
We provide you with a short video that explains the process of testing as well as potential costs for patients. If you choose to proceed, then our staff will assist with contacting a certified genetic counselor. We will give you a comfortable and private space to have this conversation. The talk with the genetic counselor involves questions similar to what is asked on the Cancer Family History Form as well as personal contact information. After the conversation, if you wish to proceed with testing, a staff member will collect a specimen (salvia or blood) before you leave.
How much does it cost?
The cost of the test is not disclosed to us at the Breast Health Center as we receive no money from the test. If there is going to be cost to the patient that is not covered by insurance, the patient is contacted by the genetic testing company prior to analysis of the specimen. St. Mary’s also offers financial assistance for qualified patients who do not have insurance. If you need this service, we will work with you to start the application process.
What type of specimen do I give?
It depends on your insurance. There are two types of testing. We are able to collect both kinds of samples here in our office.
- Saliva. You are asked to spit into a vial. You must not have gum, mints or water for 30 minutes prior to providing the specimen.
- Blood. Sometimes insurance providers require the blood test. If this is the case for you, our nurse will draw the blood at your visit in the Breast Health Center.
How long does it take to get results?
Usually 2-3 weeks. If a patient has recently been diagnosed with cancer, then the test is ordered STAT, which means results will be available in 7-10 business days.
How will I get my results?
Your results are sent securely to Dr. Jeffery’s office. We will schedule you for a follow-up appointment so that you and she can privately review the results and she can answer any questions you might have. In addition, we provide a copy of the results to you at this time.
What if my results are abnormal?
Dr. Jeffery will thoroughly go over the results with you and will provide a contact with the certified genetic counselor so that results can be discussed with them, too.
How many genes are analyzed?
The company we use tests for a compressive panel of genes known to have links to cancer. Their testing panel includes genes for breast, colorectal, prostate, pancreatic and melanoma cancer.
For more information or to discuss whether you should be tested, call St. Mary’s Breast Health Center at (706) 425-5437. We will be glad to help you!
Visit St. Mary's Breast Health Center
Laura Childs, RN, BHCN
Laura Childs, RN has been part of the care team at St. Mary’s since 2004. She is the breast health nurse navigator who practices with Dr. Jeffery. Her focus is on providing compassionate education and assistance to patients who have been referred to our breast surgeon.
About Kathleen Jeffery, MD
Dr. Jeffery came to St. Mary's from Greenwood, S.C., where she served as medical director of the Breast Center at Self Regional Healthcare and as a partner in Advanced Surgical Associates. Previously, she practiced with Summit Surgical in Dahlonega, Ga., and was an assistant professor of surgery with the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta.
Dr. Jeffery is now accepting patient appointments. A referral from a primary care physician may be required under some insurance plans. As part of St. Mary's Medical Group, AGCS accepts most major insurance plans and Medicare. Please contact your insurance provider for more information regarding your specific plan requirements for a specialist referral.
