Anyone can benefit from discussing family history and cancer risk with their doctor, but genetic testing is not always necessary. Dr. Vahora recommends that all of her patients take this simple quiz as a starting point. People with a family history of certain cancers, who belong to an at-risk population, or who have already had cancer may be good candidates for additional screening.

Up to 10 percent of cancer patients have an inherited gene mutation. Women with certain genetic mutations have up to a 44-percent risk of developing ovarian cancer and up to an 87-percent risk of developing breast cancer over their lifetime. Nothing can perfectly predict whether you will develop cancer. But genetic testing can tell you whether you have these genetic mutations, which can help your doctor track your health, detect problems early, and treat you more effectively if necessary.

Dr. Vahora uses the Myriad MyRisk Hereditary Cancer test, which looks at 28 genes to see if you have a higher risk of breast, ovarian, gastric, colorectal, pancreatic, melanoma, prostate, and endometrial cancer.

No. A positive test result does not mean you will get cancer. It simply means you have a higher risk of developing a certain type of cancer than the average person, and your doctor may adapt your care to keep you healthy.

The first step is to take this quiz, which should take about 1 minute to complete. If the quiz indicates you should be evaluated further, your information will be sent to Dr. Vahora in a secure, private email. She will talk to you in person about whether genetic testing makes sense for you. The Myriad MyRisk Hereditary Cancer test is a quick, non-invasive test conducted in the office—either using a small blood sample or a specialized mouth rinse. Afterward, you will come in for a follow-up visit, and she will make an individualized care plan for you, depending on what your results show.

Dr. Vahora uses a multidisciplinary team approach and will build a team of expert care providers, based on which cancer is of concern. Dedicated to the philosophy of precision medicine, where health care is tailored to an individual’s needs, Dr. Vahora and your team will design a personalized plan for effective monitoring, prevention, or treatment should it be necessary.

Dr. Vahora is proactive about your health, with the goal of making you a “previvor”—someone who beats cancer before it develops. She will talk to you about whether you are a good candidate for surgery or medication, and will help identify other steps you can take to prevent cancer.

Genetic testing technology is constantly improving. Depending on your family history, the results of your questionnaire, and what tests you’ve taken in the past, your doctor might recommend that you take a new test. See your doctor to find out.

Everyone’s situation is different—even family members. Talk to your doctor about getting tested so she can look at your specific genetic makeup.

Most insurance providers cover genetic testing for hereditary cancers.

For most patients, the test is free. The Affordable Care Act requires that genetic testing for hereditary breast and ovarian cancers be free. In addition, Myriad offers a financial assistance program to keep costs low for underinsured patients, and free for patients without insurance. And Myriad will alert you if you do not qualify for coverage, so you won’t be surprised by charges.

Yes. Myriad will only share your results with the doctor who ordered the test, or with someone you have specifically designated with written consent.

Yes. Federal laws and many state laws prohibit discrimination regarding employment, health benefits, or health insurance premiums based on genetic information.

Yes. Dr. Vahora now offers the Myriad test for men. Payment for the consultation is cash only.

Dr. Vahora also offers GeneSight, a genetic test that helps doctors understand which medications–such as antidepressants and pain medications–will work best for you.