Question 1

Who should consider taking this test?

Accepted Answer

Anyone who is interested in learning about their inherited risks for cancer can take the test. The likelihood of testing positive is higher for those with a personal and/or family history of cancer, as well as those with Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry. The panel offered through jscreen is designed for individuals of all ancestries and includes hereditary cancer risks found in people of all different backgrounds.

Question 2

How long will it take to get results?

Accepted Answer

Test results are provided in an easy to understand report available within 3 weeks of the sample arriving at the lab. You will have an opportunity to discuss your results with a genetic counselor.

Question 3

Will genetic testing be covered by my insurance?

Accepted Answer

95% of private insurance companies have coverage for hereditary cancer testing based on data from our Myriad Genetics. Through insurance coverage and financial assistance, for those who meet criteria for testing, 90% of tested customers pay $0 out-of-pocket based on data from Myriad Genetics. If your insurance does not pay for testing, you do not meet your policy’s guidelines for testing, you are uninsured, or you have a high unmet deductible, you can forego insurance and directly pay a self-pay price of $249 for your test. If you cannot afford testing, there are financial assistance programs available for those who qualify.

Question 4

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Accepted Answer

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Question 5

Clear cost estimates from Myriad Genetics

Accepted Answer

1. Self-pay: $49 due now. (and $249 will be billed to you from Myriad Genetics). Nothing is billed to insurance. A customer service representative from Myriad Genetics will call you to collect credit card payment after you ship your kit back with the prepaid shipping label. Insurance: $49 due now, the rest is billed to your insurance. If you select to pay for your test through insurance, a few days after Myriad Genetics receives your saliva sample, they will contact you via email and/or text to let you know your cost estimate. Your estimate will consider: Your insurance plan, How much of your deductible has been paid so far this year, Any copays or coinsurance per your plan, Eligibility for financial assistance. You will receive an email/text from Myriad Genetics notifying you that your estimate is ready to view. Most people will pay $0, but if your estimate shows you’ll have an out-of-pocket cost that creates a hardship, you have options which will be provided to you.

Question 6

Clear cost estimates from Myriad Genetics

Accepted Answer

Self-pay: $49 due now. (and $249 will be billed to you from Myriad Genetics). Nothing is billed to insurance. A customer service representative from Myriad Genetics will call you to collect credit card payment after you ship your kit back with the prepaid shipping label. Insurance: $49 due now, the rest is billed to your insurance. If you select to pay for your test through insurance, a few days after Myriad Genetics receives your saliva sample, they will contact you via email and/or text to let you know your cost estimate. Your estimate will consider: Your insurance plan, How much of your deductible has been paid so far this year, Any copays or coinsurance per your plan, Eligibility for financial assistance You will receive an email/text from a representative from Myriad Genetics notifying you that your estimate is ready to view. Most people will pay $0, but if your estimate shows you’ll have an out-of-pocket cost that creates a hardship, you have options which will be provided to you.

Question 7

Who should consider taking this test

Accepted Answer

The Reproductive Carrier Screen is intended for people who are planning to start or expand their family and wish to know if they are at an increased risk of having a child with a genetic condition.

Question 8

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Accepted Answer

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Question 9

How long will it take to get results?

Accepted Answer

Test results are provided in an easy to understand report available within 3 weeks of the sample arriving at the lab. If an individual or couple learns that they or their future children are at risk for a genetic disease, a genetic counselor will provide options for family planning or medical care.

Question 10

Will genetic testing be covered by my insurance?

Accepted Answer

Your cost for screening depends on several factors, including your insurance plan and any copay or unmet deductible. More than 80% of individuals pay $0 out-of-pocket because their insurance companies cover carrier screening. Once the lab receives your kit, you will be sent a personalized cost estimate letting you know what your insurance is likely to cover, what your additional out-of-pocket costs are expected to be, and what your options are. If your insurance does not pay for testing, you do not meet your policy’s guidelines for testing, you are uninsured, or you have a high unmet deductible, you can forgo insurance and directly pay a self-pay price of $249 for your carrier screen. If you cannot afford testing, there are financial assistance programs available for those who qualify.

Question 11

Can't my doctor just give me a genetic test?

Accepted Answer

Your doctor may be able to order testing, but here are some things to consider: Genetic counselors are specially trained to interpret complex genetic data and provide personalized guidance on test results, risks, and next steps. Unlike most physicians, genetic counselors focus solely on genetics and can offer in-depth explanations, help navigate emotional or familial concerns, and ensure that you fully understand the implications of the results for your health and family planning. There are many types of genetic tests on the market and a genetics specialist can assist in selecting the most appropriate tests based on your personal and family history. All jscreen participants are offered and encouraged to speak with a genetic counselor to review their results and and receive a personalized care plan

Question 12

Could my genetic results impact my health insurance or employment?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, no. The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) is a federal law that protects individuals from genetic discrimination in health insurance and in most places of employment. Under this law, it is illegal for health insurance companies to increase premiums, alter coverage, or deny coverage based on genetic testing results. Some members of the military and federal government are not covered under GINA but have similar protections. ‍GINA also makes it illegal for employers with 15 or more employees to consider your genetic testing results when making decisions about hiring, firing, or promoting. GINA does not apply to life insurance, long-term care insurance, and other types of insurance. ‍Please visit www.ginahelp.org and the National Human Genome Research Institute website for more information on the laws in your state.

Question 13

Does jscreen offer compatibility/matching services?

Accepted Answer

jscreen does not provide compatibility services or anonymous matching. However, with consent from both partners, we can provide results to both partners together in a joint genetic counseling session or can provide a joint risk-assessment letter.

Question 14

How do I receive a personalized cost estimate if I elected to pay for my test with insurance?

Accepted Answer

After you mail your test kit back, our lab partner will contact you within a few days via email and/or text with a personalized cost estimate. Your estimate will consider your individual insurance plan, how much of your deductible you’ve paid so far, and copays or coinsurance as well as your current financial situation.

Question 15

How does jscreen ensure that my information is kept private?

Accepted Answer

The privacy of your health information is very important to us. jscreen follows federal and state privacy laws, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and regulations (HIPAA), to protect your personal health information. The entities that will have access to your medical and genetic information include: jscreen, the independent testing laboratory (-ies), the ordering healthcare provider (DNAvisit or other designated provider), your partner (if applicable, and when you provide specific consent), your insurance company and any other third-party payors, if applicable, and any other people or parties to which you consent providing your information. You will have access to your results through a secure portal once your testing is complete.

Question 16

How long does it take to get results?

Accepted Answer

Results are typically available within 3-4 weeks from the time the sample arrives at the lab.

Question 17

How long will it take for my test kit to arrive?

Accepted Answer

5-7 business days after you complete your registration. Please contact us if you do not receive your kit after 7 business days. Please remember, the kit will be shipped by Myriad Genetics®, Myriad. And, if you ordered both carrier and cancer kits, they will arrive separately.

Question 18

How to get carrier screening?

Accepted Answer

Getting carrier screening is a straightforward process. We offer convenient at-home testing kits that can be ordered online. Once you receive the kit, you'll provide a saliva sample and send it back to our lab. A team of experts will analyze your DNA for various genetic mutations. After processing, which typically takes a few weeks, you'll receive your results. At jscreen, we also provide genetic counseling to help you understand your results and what they mean for you and your family planning.

Question 19

If I have a mutation, will my children have it too?

Accepted Answer

Each child (son or daughter) of a man or woman with a cancer gene mutation has a 50% chance of inheriting the mutation. Your genetic counselor can discuss the right time to test your children, as well as options for individuals who are planning to expand their families.

Question 20

If I have a mutation, will my children have it too?

Accepted Answer

Each child (son or daughter) has a 50% chance of inheriting a mutation in a cancer gene. Your genetic counselor can discuss the right time to test your children, as well as options for individuals who are planning to expand their families.

Question 21

If my health insurance company learns I am positive for a mutation in a cancer gene, will my insurance coverage or premiums change?

Accepted Answer

According to the GINA law, health insurance companies cannot change your coverage, eligibility or premiums based on the results of your genetic testing or the health conditions in your family. Please visit www.ginahelp.org for more information and exceptions to the law as it can depend on the type of insurance and where you live.Other types of insurance, such as life, disability and long-term care, do not have restrictions about using your genetic information to set their plans; each state has its own mandates regarding the use of genetic information. Please visit the National Human Genome Research Institute website for more information on the laws in your state.‍

Question 22

Is all cancer hereditary?

Accepted Answer

No. There are many factors that contribute to a person’s risk for developing cancer, including lifestyle, diet, environmental exposures, and chance. But some cancers are related to specific genetic changes that are inherited. For example, about 5-10% of breast cancers and about 20-25% of ovarian cancers are due to inherited genetic changes. A person may have an inherited change in a cancer gene even if cancer hasn’t occurred in their family. If you have specific questions related to your personal or family history of cancer, please contact a jscreen genetic counselor at genetic.counselor@jscreen.org. ‍

Question 23

Is all cancer hereditary?

Accepted Answer

No. Most cancer happens by chance, but some are caused by hereditary changes in genes. For example, about 5-10% of breast cancers and about 20-25% of ovarian cancers are due to inherited genetic changes that increase the risk to develop these types of cancer. A person may have an inherited change in a cancer gene even if cancer hasn’t occurred in their family. It is important to consult with a genetic counselor if you think that you or a family member might have a hereditary cancer risk.

Question 24

Is carrier screening accurate?

Accepted Answer

Carrier screening is highly accurate, utilizing advanced genetic testing technologies. However, it's important to understand that no test is 100% perfect. The accuracy can vary slightly depending on the specific condition being tested and the method used. Most carrier screening tests have a detection rate of over 90% for the conditions they assess. False positives and false negatives, while rare, can occur. That's why genetic counseling is an integral part of the screening process, helping you understand the implications of your results. At jscreen, we use state-of-the-art testing methods and provide expert genetic counseling to ensure you receive the most accurate and comprehensive information possible.

Question 25

Is testing on saliva as accurate as testing on blood?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the DNA that comes from blood is the same as the DNA from saliva, so the accuracy and results will be the same for saliva and blood.

Question 26

Should I consider testing if I am NOT planning a pregnancy (now or in the future)?

Accepted Answer

Typically no. The reproductive carrier screen is intended for people who are planning to start or expand their family and wish to know if they are at increased risk to have a child with a genetic condition. Consider why you are testing:For a genetic diagnosis – The test is not designed to diagnose a person with unexplained symptoms. If you think you may have a genetic condition, we recommend that you speak with your doctor or a local genetic counselor. You can locate a genetic counselor in your area through the National Society of Genetic Counselors here. For my children – Your test results will not provide complete information about what your children may carry. Regardless of your results, we would encourage your children to consider testing when they are ready. If you have a specific question about screening in relation to your children, please contact a jscreen genetic counselor at genetic.counselor@jscreen.org.Curiosity - The panel intended for reproductive carrier screening purposes only and is not recommended or likely to be covered by insurance when testing for non-reproductive purposes.Ancestry – The panel does NOT provide any ancestry information or determine where a person’s ancestors originated from.

Question 27

Should I consider testing if I am adopted?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The panel includes testing for more than 260 genetic diseases that are commonly found in people with many different backgrounds. Therefore, it is valuable for anyone planning a pregnancy.

Question 28

Should I consider testing if I am not Jewish and/or my partner is not Jewish

Accepted Answer

Yes. The panel includes testing for more than 260 genetic diseases that are commonly found in people with both Jewish and non-Jewish ancestry. Therefore, it is valuable for anyone planning a pregnancy.

Question 29

Should I consider testing if I am not Jewish and/or my partner is not Jewish?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The panel includes testing for more than 260 genetic diseases that are commonly found in people with both Jewish and non-Jewish ancestry. Therefore, it is valuable for anyone planning a pregnancy.

Question 30

Should I consider testing if I don't have a family history of any of these genetic diseases?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The vast majority of children with these diseases are born to parents who have no family history of that disease. Remember that carriers are healthy and usually don’t have symptoms of the disease.

Question 31

Should I consider testing if I don't have a personal or family history of cancer?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The panel is appropriate for anyone interested in learning more about their hereditary cancer risks. While the chance of identifying a mutation may be lower, anyone can carry a change in a cancer gene. Individuals with Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry have a higher chance to carry a mutation in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, even without a personal or family history of cancer. Please note that without a personal or family history, insurance coverage is expected to be less likely.‍

Question 32

Should I consider testing if I don’t have a family history of any of these genetic diseases?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The vast majority of children with these diseases are born to parents who have no family history of that disease. Remember that carriers are healthy and usually don’t have symptoms of the disease.

Question 33

Should I consider testing if I have Sephardic or Mizrahi background?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The panel includes testing for diseases that are common in the Ashkenazi, Sephardi and Mizrahi populations, as well as other populations.

Question 34

Should I consider testing if I have a current cancer diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Genetic testing can help inform decisions about cancer treatments, including surgery, medications, clinical trials, and future surveillance. It can also be informative for other family members if a genetic risk is identified.Note: please contact us HERE prior to registration if you have a current or past diagnosis of a hematological malignancy (blood cancer) or have received a stem cell or bone marrow transplant.

Question 35

Should I consider testing if I have had cancer in the past?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Genetic testing may provide an explanation for a past diagnosis and help inform risks for the future. In some cases, hereditary cancer syndromes can increase the risk for more than one type of cancer. It can also be informative for other family members if a genetic risk is identified. Note: please contact us HERE prior to registration if you have a current or past diagnosis of a hematological malignancy (blood cancer) or have received a stem cell or bone marrow transplant.

Question 36

Should I consider testing if I was already screened a few years ago?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Over time, new diseases are added to screening panels. JScreen recommends the most comprehensive screening to help ensure the health of your future family, even if you already have a healthy child. If you have a specific question about your previous screening, contact a JScreen genetic counselor at genetic.counselor@jscreen.org.

Question 37

Should I consider testing if I'm a man (sex assigned at birth)?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The panel includes cancer predisposition genes associated with risks for prostate, colon, pancreatic and many other types of cancer affecting men. Men can also pass on cancer gene mutations to their children.

Question 38

Should I consider testing if I'm adopted or donor conceived?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The panel is appropriate for anyone interested in learning more about their hereditary cancer risks. It may be helpful for those who have limited information about the health history of their biological relatives.

Question 39

Should I consider testing if I'm not Jewish?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The panel is appropriate for anyone, regardless of ancestry.

Question 40

Should I consider testing if I'm younger than 25 years old?

Accepted Answer

You can, but there are a few considerations prior to registering.While genetic testing can help clarify a person’s risk to develop certain cancers, it can also have potential emotional, social, and financial implications. For many cancer types (although not all), changes in medical care due to a positive result may not begin until age 25 or older; knowing one is positive before then may induce stress and anxiety and could be an emotional burden. In addition, there may be additional considerations for future life and disability insurance eligibility.Some people who test positive at a younger age might still find this information to be helpful (for family planning, to screen for cancers that might affect them at a younger age, to inform family members, etc.)To learn more, please click HERE to watch our educational video or HERE to contact our genetic counselors.‍

Question 41

What happens if I test positive for cancer screening?

Accepted Answer

If you learn you have a mutation in a cancer gene, there are many ways to maintain your health and to impact the health of your family. A genetic counselor will walk you through your results and options for next steps.Depending on the results, options may include:• Lifestyle modifications (for example: reduced alcohol consumption)• Increased and/or more frequent cancer screening (for example: mammogram, colonoscopy, prostate exam, skin cancer screening)• Preventative risk-reducing surgeries (for example: mastectomy, removal of ovaries after childbearing)• Inform decisions about about cancer treatments or medical management• Options to avoid passing down mutations to your future children (for example: in-vitro fertilization (IVF) with pre-implantation genetic testing, adoption)If you test positive for a mutation, you’ll be able to inform your relatives, who may also be at-risk.‍

Question 42

What if I have a high deductible or coinsurance?

Accepted Answer

If you have a high deductible or coinsurance, you may qualify for our lab partner’s Financial Assistance Program for a reduced out-of-pocket cost. What is the financial assistance program? Financial assistance is through our lab partner’s financial assistance program. You may qualify if you meet insurance criteria and your household income is less than the income guidelines below: If you do not meet the criteria for our lab partner’s financial assistance policy, and you still have questions, please reach out to hello@jscreen.org.

Question 43

What is Jewish genetic testing?

Accepted Answer

Jewish genetic testing is a type of genetic screening that focuses on conditions that are more common in individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish descent. It can help identify potential risks and inform reproductive decisions.

Question 44

What is cancer screening?

Accepted Answer

Cancer screening involves tests and procedures to detect cancer in its early stages. It can help identify cancer before symptoms appear, increasing the chances of successful treatment.

Question 45

What is carrier screening?

Accepted Answer

Reproductive carrier screening is testing that helps determine an individual’s or couple’s risk of having a child with a genetic condition. It can provide you, your partner, and your doctor with valuable insights in planning for the health of your future children. jscreen provides access to a genetic testing panel that screens for over 260 conditions that are inherited in either an autosomal recessive or X-linked pattern. Autosomal recessive conditions: When two individuals are carriers for the same recessive disease, there is a 1 in 4 chance in each pregnancy that the baby will be affected with the genetic condition. X-linked conditions: A child may have symptoms if they inherit the disease-causing gene from only one (typically female) parent.

Question 46

What is genetic cancer testing?

Accepted Answer

Hereditary Cancer screening is a test to determine if an individual has an inherited genetic change that makes them more likely to develop cancer. This test analyzes 48 cancer-predisposition genes (including BRCA1 and BRCA2). If there is a harmful mutation in one or more of these genes, it will increase the risk for cancer. Each cancer gene on the panel is associated with specific cancer types and varying degrees of risk. In many cases, individuals who test positive have options to work with their healthcare providers to reduce the chances of developing cancer or to detect it at an early, treatable stage. Because we share genetic information with our biological family members, a positive result may also alert other relatives to consider testing. For those who have had a cancer diagnosis, knowing the genetic cause may help their doctors adjust their medical management and identify other cancer risks. This test does not screen for or diagnose cancer.

Question 47

What is reproductive carrier screening?

Accepted Answer

Reproductive carrier screening is a specific type of genetic testing designed for individuals planning to have children. It identifies if you carry gene mutations for inherited disorders that could be passed on to your offspring. This screening typically covers a wide range of conditions, including those more common in certain ethnic groups. By testing both partners, it determines the risk of having a child with these genetic disorders. The results enable couples to make informed decisions about their reproductive options, such as prenatal testing, preimplantation genetic testing with IVF, or preparation for managing a potential genetic condition. It's a proactive step in ensuring the health of future generations.

Question 48

What is the hereditary cancer panel?

Accepted Answer

Jscreen provides access to a cancer genetic testing panel that looks for mutations (or genetic changes) in 48 genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, that are related to hereditary cancer. Each cancer gene on the panel is associated with specific cancer types and varying degrees of risk. To view a complete list of genes on the panel, click here.

Question 49

What types of diseases are included on the reproductive carrier screening panel offered through jscreen?

Accepted Answer

This test will tell you if you are a carrier of a genetic disease on the testing panel and your risk for having a child with that condition. See below to find out what it means to be a carrier and the type of conditions on the panel. Carriers
Typically people who are carriers of diseases on this panel do not have symptoms. There are two types of diseases on this panel: recessive and X-linked diseases. Recessive Diseases
Two carriers of the same recessive disease have a 25% (or 1 in 4) chance in each of their pregnancies that the baby will be affected with that disease. Carrier couples are counseled about their options to build a healthy family. X-Linked Diseases
For female (sex assigned at birth) carriers of X-linked diseases, there is a chance of having an affected child regardless of her partner’s carrier status. Typically sons are more severely affected than daughters. It is recommended that all females have screening, regardless of their partner’s results. Individuals who are carriers of X-linked conditions are strongly advised to take advantage of the genetic counseling included with testing to discuss their results and reproductive options. Learn more about Reproductive carrier screening with this short video.

Question 50

When should I consider doing Reproductive carrier screening?

Accepted Answer

You should consider this test prior to starting or expanding your family. jscreen recommends updating testing prior to any pregnancy. If you or your partner are already pregnant, we recommend testing as soon as possible.

Question 51

Who should consider taking these tests?

Accepted Answer

These tests are for individuals age 18 and older. If you have questions, please contact us here. Hereditary cancer test: Anyone who is interested in learning about their inherited risks for cancer can take the test. Carrier screen: The Reproductive carrier screen is intended for people who are planning to start or expand their family and wish to know if they are at an increased risk of having a child with a genetic condition.

Question 52

Why is carrier screening important?

Accepted Answer

Carrier screening is a crucial tool in family planning, offering valuable insights into potential genetic risks for your future children. It empowers you with knowledge, allowing for informed decisions about your reproductive options. By identifying if you carry gene mutations for certain inherited disorders, you can better understand the likelihood of passing these conditions to your children. This information enables you to explore various family planning strategies, such as additional prenatal testing, in vitro fertilization with genetic testing of embryos, or preparation for managing a genetic condition. Ultimately, carrier screening provides peace of mind and the opportunity for proactive health management for your family.

Question 53

Why should I consider doing hereditary cancer genetic testing?

Accepted Answer

You should consider testing if you want to learn as much as you can about your risk of cancer. Anyone who has a personal or family history of cancer may be at increased risk and should consider testing. Knowing your risk will help inform your healthcare choices.

Question 54

Will genetic testing be covered by my insurance?

Accepted Answer

jscreen’s upfront costs include a program fee ($10) and a physician order fee ($39) which jscreen collects when you sign up. There are also lab fees for your genetic test(s). If you select to pay for your test(s) through insurance, Myriad Genetics® will contact you via email and/or text to let you know your estimated out of pocket cost. Your estimate will consider: Your insurance plan
How much of your deductible has been paid so far this year
Any copays or coinsurance
Eligibility for financial assistance You will receive an email/text from Myriad Genetics® notifying you that your estimate is ready to view. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU OPEN THIS EMAIL. Most people who meet criteria for testing will pay $0 additional out-of-pocket, but if your estimate shows you’ll have an out-of-pocket cost that creates a hardship, you have options which will be provided to you by Myriad Genetics®.

Question 55

Will this test tell me if I have a genetic disease?

Accepted Answer

The panel is not designed to explain symptoms of an undiagnosed condition. However, there is a small chance that testing will indicate that you have or are at-risk for a medical condition, such as familial Mediterranean fever or Gaucher disease. If this happens, your genetic counselor will review this information and discuss appropriate follow-up care. If you are concerned about your personal health, we recommend that you speak with your health-care provider or a local genetic counselor.

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