Are you considering an at-home BRCA test? With the rise of direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing, more people are exploring their genetic health risks from the comfort of their homes. While these tests offer convenience, it’s essential to understand the dangerous gap between a "recreational" DNA kit and a medical-grade screening.
Understanding BRCA Genes and Hereditary Cancer Risk
BRCA1 and BRCA2 (BReast CAncer genes) are tumor suppressor genes that help repair damaged DNA and prevent cells from growing abnormally. When these genes function correctly, they play a crucial role in preventing cancer. However, specific mutations in these genes can significantly increase the risk of developing breast, ovarian, prostate, and pancreatic cancers.
For women with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, the lifetime risk of developing breast cancer can be upwards of 70%, compared to about 13% in the general population. The risk of ovarian cancer increases from approximately 1.2% to 39-44% with a BRCA1 mutation and up to 29% with a BRCA2 mutation.
Men aren't exempt from these risks either. Those with BRCA mutations face an increased risk of male breast cancer, prostate cancer, and pancreatic cancer.
Not All BRCA Tests Are Created Equal: Comprehensive Gene Sequencing vs. SNP Testing
Here is the most critical distinction: There are more than 1,000 known mutations in the BRCA genes. Most popular at-home tests (like 23andMe) use genotyping or SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism) testing. This is like reading only three specific words on a 1,000-page book.
The Limitation: The FDA-approved DTC tests typically look for only 3 out of 1,000+ mutations.The False Security: While these three variants are common in those of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry (about 1 in 40 individuals), they are incredibly rare in other populations. If you test "negative" on an at-home kit, you could still carry any of the other 997+ mutations that the test ignored.
In contrast, medical-grade comprehensive gene sequencing reads through the entire gene—every single "letter"—to identify any and all possible mutations. This provides a complete picture of your genetic risk rather than a narrow snapshot.
CLIA Approval: The Gold Standard
One key difference between genetic tests is whether they are approved by CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments). CLIA approval ensures that the laboratory meets federal quality standards for accuracy, reliability, and timeliness.
When choosing a genetic test, always look for CLIA certification. This approval means the test has been validated and meets rigorous quality standards that many direct-to-consumer tests don't match.
The jscreen Difference
jscreen offers a medical-grade approach that bridges the gap between convenience and clinical accuracy.
- Entire Gene Sequencing: We examine the whole BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, and look for all known BRCA mutations, not just a few common spots.
- Expanded Panels: Our cancer screen looks at additional genes beyond BRCA (like Lynch Syndrome genes) that also increase cancer risk. For those of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry, comprehensive testing is critical. While about 75% of individuals with Jewish ancestry are carriers of at least one genetic disease, and Ashkenazi Jews are 10 times more likely to carry BRCA mutations than the general population, the specific mutation can vary widely.
- Genetic Counseling Included: This is the most vital step. Unlike most direct-to-consumer tests, jscreen includes genetic counseling with every test and our certified genetic counselors help you interpret results and build a personalized screening plan.
Why Genetic Counseling Is Non-Negotiable
One of the most significant limitations of some direct-to-consumer genetic tests is the lack of professional guidance. Interpreting genetic data is complex. A "Positive" result doesn't mean you have cancer; it means you have a risk that requires a plan. A "Negative" result requires context—was the right test performed?JScreen's counselors help you:
Understand what your results mean for your health
- Understand what your results mean for your health
- Develop an appropriate screening or prevention plan
- Navigate the emotional weight of genetic information.
- Determine if your siblings or children should also be tested.
Making an Informed Decision
If you're considering genetic testing for cancer risk, here are some essential questions to ask:
- Does the test look for all possible BRCA mutations or just a few common ones?
- Is the testing done in a CLIA-certified laboratory?
- Does the service include access to genetic counseling?
- What will happen with your genetic data after testing?
- Will the company help you understand what actions to take based on your results?
Take the Next Step
Don't rely on a "partial" picture of your health. If you have a family history of cancer or want the most accurate data available, choose a test that reads the whole story. jscreen provides accessible, affordable screening options with professional genetic counseling included. Want to learn more? Explore jscreen's Hereditary Cancer Test today.
References:
- National Cancer Institute. (2026). BRCA1 and BRCA2: Cancer Risks and Management . https://www.cancer.gov/publications/pdq/information-summaries/genetics/brca-genes-hp-pdq
- National Cancer Institute (NCI) - BRCA Gene Mutations: Cancer Risk and Genetic Testing.
- CDC. (2024). Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments. https://www.cdc.gov/clia/php/about/index.html
- BreastCancer.org. (2024). Types of Genetic Tests. https://www.breastcancer.org/genetic-testing/types-of-tests
Are you considering an at-home BRCA test? With the rise of direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing, more people are exploring their genetic health risks from the comfort of their homes. While these tests offer convenience, it’s essential to understand the dangerous gap between a "recreational" DNA kit and a medical-grade screening.
Understanding BRCA Genes and Hereditary Cancer Risk
BRCA1 and BRCA2 (BReast CAncer genes) are tumor suppressor genes that help repair damaged DNA and prevent cells from growing abnormally. When these genes function correctly, they play a crucial role in preventing cancer. However, specific mutations in these genes can significantly increase the risk of developing breast, ovarian, prostate, and pancreatic cancers.
For women with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, the lifetime risk of developing breast cancer can be upwards of 70%, compared to about 13% in the general population. The risk of ovarian cancer increases from approximately 1.2% to 39-44% with a BRCA1 mutation and up to 29% with a BRCA2 mutation.
Men aren't exempt from these risks either. Those with BRCA mutations face an increased risk of male breast cancer, prostate cancer, and pancreatic cancer.
Not All BRCA Tests Are Created Equal: Comprehensive Gene Sequencing vs. SNP Testing
Here is the most critical distinction: There are more than 1,000 known mutations in the BRCA genes. Most popular at-home tests (like 23andMe) use genotyping or SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism) testing. This is like reading only three specific words on a 1,000-page book.
The Limitation: The FDA-approved DTC tests typically look for only 3 out of 1,000+ mutations.The False Security: While these three variants are common in those of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry (about 1 in 40 individuals), they are incredibly rare in other populations. If you test "negative" on an at-home kit, you could still carry any of the other 997+ mutations that the test ignored.
In contrast, medical-grade comprehensive gene sequencing reads through the entire gene—every single "letter"—to identify any and all possible mutations. This provides a complete picture of your genetic risk rather than a narrow snapshot.
CLIA Approval: The Gold Standard
One key difference between genetic tests is whether they are approved by CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments). CLIA approval ensures that the laboratory meets federal quality standards for accuracy, reliability, and timeliness.
When choosing a genetic test, always look for CLIA certification. This approval means the test has been validated and meets rigorous quality standards that many direct-to-consumer tests don't match.
The jscreen Difference
jscreen offers a medical-grade approach that bridges the gap between convenience and clinical accuracy.
- Entire Gene Sequencing: We examine the whole BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, and look for all known BRCA mutations, not just a few common spots.
- Expanded Panels: Our cancer screen looks at additional genes beyond BRCA (like Lynch Syndrome genes) that also increase cancer risk. For those of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry, comprehensive testing is critical. While about 75% of individuals with Jewish ancestry are carriers of at least one genetic disease, and Ashkenazi Jews are 10 times more likely to carry BRCA mutations than the general population, the specific mutation can vary widely.
- Genetic Counseling Included: This is the most vital step. Unlike most direct-to-consumer tests, jscreen includes genetic counseling with every test and our certified genetic counselors help you interpret results and build a personalized screening plan.
Why Genetic Counseling Is Non-Negotiable
One of the most significant limitations of some direct-to-consumer genetic tests is the lack of professional guidance. Interpreting genetic data is complex. A "Positive" result doesn't mean you have cancer; it means you have a risk that requires a plan. A "Negative" result requires context—was the right test performed?JScreen's counselors help you:
Understand what your results mean for your health
- Understand what your results mean for your health
- Develop an appropriate screening or prevention plan
- Navigate the emotional weight of genetic information.
- Determine if your siblings or children should also be tested.
Making an Informed Decision
If you're considering genetic testing for cancer risk, here are some essential questions to ask:
- Does the test look for all possible BRCA mutations or just a few common ones?
- Is the testing done in a CLIA-certified laboratory?
- Does the service include access to genetic counseling?
- What will happen with your genetic data after testing?
- Will the company help you understand what actions to take based on your results?
Take the Next Step
Don't rely on a "partial" picture of your health. If you have a family history of cancer or want the most accurate data available, choose a test that reads the whole story. jscreen provides accessible, affordable screening options with professional genetic counseling included. Want to learn more? Explore jscreen's Hereditary Cancer Test today.
References:
- National Cancer Institute. (2026). BRCA1 and BRCA2: Cancer Risks and Management . https://www.cancer.gov/publications/pdq/information-summaries/genetics/brca-genes-hp-pdq
- National Cancer Institute (NCI) - BRCA Gene Mutations: Cancer Risk and Genetic Testing.
- CDC. (2024). Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments. https://www.cdc.gov/clia/php/about/index.html
- BreastCancer.org. (2024). Types of Genetic Tests. https://www.breastcancer.org/genetic-testing/types-of-tests
