PreventionGenetics releases updated comprehensive menu of genetic tests for hereditary cancers

MARSHFIELD, Wis., Feb. 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- PreventionGenetics, a Wisconsin-based laboratory, has updated their comprehensive menu of tests for a variety of hereditary cancers.

Hereditary cancer syndromes account for approximately 5-10% of diagnosed cancers (Mauer et al. 2013), and the National Cancer Comprehensive Network (NCCN) establishes guidelines and criteria for genetic testing for hereditary cancers. However, a recent study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that of women who met NCCN eligibility criteria for breast or ovarian cancer, only one in five actually underwent genetic testing (Childers, et al. 2017). The cost of testing is likely one reason individuals with a risk of a hereditary cancer do not receive testing.

PreventionGenetics' philosophy is that regardless of payment or payer type the cost of genetic testing should not be a roadblock to a patient receiving the care they need. Prices of less than $550 for the majority of these panels results in some of the lowest prices for comprehensive hereditary cancer on the market. PreventionGenetics charges the same price regardless of payer, holding down costs not just for the patient but for the overall healthcare system.

"Genetic testing for hereditary cancer syndromes can have a major impact on treatment and medical management of cancers," said Christina Zaleski, Director of Genetic Counseling at PreventionGenetics.

For example, women may choose to undergo prophylactic mastectomy or oophorectomy after they are found to have an increased risk of breast cancer. Increased surveillance is also recommended for many different types of hereditary cancer.

"In addition, genetic testing can give insight into familial risks. At PreventionGenetics, we're committed to providing high quality results that will inform important medical decisions," Zaleski said. "We're also committed to utilization stewardship as we realize healthcare dollars are finite," she added.

About PreventionGenetics

Founded in 2004 and located in Marshfield, Wisconsin, PreventionGenetics is a CLIA and ISO 15189:2012 accredited clinical DNA testing laboratory. PreventionGenetics provides patients with sequencing and deletion/duplication tests for nearly all clinically relevant genes. These tests include the powerful and comprehensive whole exome sequencing test, PGxome(TM). Learn more at PreventionGenetics.com.

PreventionGenetics also offers DNA Banking (PGDNABank), a long-term storage of a person's DNA. DNA Banking is available direct-to-consumer. Visit PreventionGenetics.com/PGDNABank.

References:
Childers et al. 2017. PubMed ID: 28820644
Mauer et al. 2014. PubMed ID: 24113346

Contact: Rachel Reed, rachel.reed@preventiongenetics.com

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SOURCE PreventionGenetics