BRCA, Lynch & hereditary cancer panel
Checks for inherited gene variants - like BRCA1, BRCA2 and Lynch syndrome - that raise the risk of breast, ovarian, colon and other cancers.
TypeGenetic
HowBlood or saliva sample.
How oftenOnce.
BeforeGenetic counseling before and after is strongly recommended.
WhoPeople with a strong family history of cancer or cancer at a young age.
A positive result changes the plan - not the future
Carrying a variant raises risk, but earlier and more frequent screening - and sometimes preventive options - can dramatically lower it.
BRCA1 / BRCA2
“Breast and ovarian cancer in my family.”
Raises breast, ovarian, prostate and pancreatic cancer risk.
High impact
Lynch syndrome
“Colon cancer runs in my family.”
Raises colon, uterine and other cancer risk.
Earlier colonoscopy
Action
“What would change?”
Earlier screening, MRI, colonoscopy timing and preventive options.
Actionable
Is it right for you?
Worth considering if…
- Several relatives had breast, ovarian, colon, pancreatic or prostate cancer.
- A relative had cancer at a young age.
- A relative carries a known variant.
- You have Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry with cancer in the family.
A better option if…
- You have no family history - consumer tests that check only a few BRCA variants can falsely reassure.
How it’s measured
Multi-gene panel
Tests many cancer genes at once.
Single-site testing
For a known family variant.
The full picture
What is it?
A genetic test for inherited cancer risk.
What type of test is it?
A genetic test.
What does it measure?
Variants in genes like BRCA1, BRCA2 and Lynch syndrome genes.
Why might someone consider it?
To guide earlier screening and prevention.
Who is it most relevant for?
People with strong family history.
How is it performed?
A blood or saliva sample.
How often might it be considered?
Once.
What can the result help you understand?
Whether you carry an inherited cancer risk.
What are its limitations?
Variants of uncertain significance are common and shouldn’t guide decisions.
What should it be viewed with?
Family history, screening results and counseling.
Where to get it
Through your provider
Often with a genetic counselor - and more likely covered when family history supports it.
Genetic counseling services
Help you decide what to test and what results mean.
Direct-to-consumer tests
Available, but results should be confirmed clinically before acting on them.
Names are examples only, not endorsements. Your provider can often order the same test - and help interpret it.
Connected to
Questions to ask your provider
- Does my family history qualify for genetic testing?
- Should I see a genetic counselor?
Ziva Health
One test is a snapshot. Ziva shows the whole story.
Ziva brings your lab results, wearables and daily readings together - and Isabella tells you what’s changing and what to ask your provider next.
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Being listed doesn’t mean everyone needs this test. Educational only — not medical advice. Results should be interpreted with a qualified clinician. ← Back to Know What to Test