What You Should Know about Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Tests

Background

Some people take a genetic test on their own to learn about their risk for certain diseases, including cancer. This type of test, called a direct-to-consumer genetic test, can be taken without seeing a genetic counselor or doctor. It can tell you about your ancestry and genetic traits, including some information about your risk of having a change in your breast cancer (BRCA) genes.

Differences between direct-to-consumer and clinical genetic tests

There are several differences between a direct-to-consumer genetic test and a clinical genetic test given to you by a doctor or genetic counselor.

• Clinical genetic tests look for thousands of possible mutations that can increase your cancer risk. The direct-to-consumer genetic test approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) looks for 44 specific BRCA gene mutations.
• Clinical genetic tests look at BRCA1, BRCA2, and other genes. The direct-to-consumer genetic test looks only at BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
• Doctors can make medical decisions based on the results of clinical tests, not direct-to-consumer tests.

Are you worried about your cancer risk?

A direct-to-consumer genetic test may not give you a complete understanding of your cancer risk, especially if cancer runs in your family. A negative result on a direct-to-consumer genetic test does not rule out the possibility that you carry other genetic mutations that increase your risk. If you have a family history of cancer, do not rely on a direct-to-consumer genetic test to learn about your risk.

If you think you may be at higher risk for hereditary cancer, it is best to talk to a doctor or genetic counselor who can assess your risk, interpret your results, and build an action plan.

Steps you can take

• Learn about your family's history of cancer.
• Tell your doctor about your family history.
• Ask your doctor if you are at high risk because of your family history.
• If you took a direct-to-consumer genetic test, share your results with your doctor. Your doctor may recommend that you get a clinical genetic test.
• Ask your doctor about working with a genetic counselor to assess your genetic risk and build an action plan.
• Practice healthy behaviors to lower your risk, like keeping a healthy weight and being physically active.

More information

• Direct-to-Consumer Tests (Food and Drug Administration)
• Genetic Testing and Your Cancer Risk (MedlinePlus)