Genetic Testing

Genetic Testing & Breast Health 

Raleigh General Hospital offers genetic testing for hereditary cancer to qualifying individuals. This genetic test looks for mutations (changes) in your genes that may have been passed down through your family. By recognizing harmful mutations, your healthcare provider can determine if you are at a higher genetic risk for cancer, empowering you to make life-saving decisions regarding your health. If you have a family history of cancer, hereditary cancer testing is the primary way to find out if you are at a hereditary, familial, or general population risk of developing cancer. 

What are the possible results from genetic testing? 

• • • Positive
      • • A genetic mutation was found in one or more of the genes tested.
        • You’re typically at higher risk for cancer.
    • Elevated
      • • No genetic mutation was found in the genes tested.
        • You’re at a higher risk for cancer based on what we saw in your genes, personal clinical risk factors, and/or your family history of cancer.
    • Negative
      • • No genetic mutation was found in the genes tested.
        • The common causes of hereditary cancer have been ruled out, but depending on your family history of cancer, higher risks could still remain.

What if testing indicates I am at higher risk for cancer? 

People with familial or hereditary cancer risk have a higher chance of developing cancer during their lifetime. Knowing if you are at higher risk for cancer empowers you to make life-saving medical management decisions. You and your provider can work together to create a personalized plan to reduce your risk of developing cancer or increase the likelihood of finding cancer at an earlier and more treatable stage. Your personalized prevention or treatment plan may include the following: 

• • • Extra surveillance: Extra surveillance may find cancer at an earlier and more treatable stage.
    • Risk-reducing medications: There are medications that can lower the risk for certain cancers.
    • Risk-reducing surgery: Based on your unique situation, certain surgeries can greatly lower your risk.
    • Treatment options: If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, your test results may help determine appropriate treatment options for you.

Talk to your healthcare provider to understand if genetic testing is right for you. To find a healthcare provider, visit our Find a Doctor tool.

Talk with your provider about your family history, areas of concern, and breast cancer risk. The sooner any form of breast cancer is detected, the greater the likelihood that treatment will be successful.

Schedule your screening mammogram today by calling 304.254.3000.