Sonora Quest Laboratories, Arizona’s leading provider of diagnostic testing and information services, has announced the availability of three new lab tests designed to help identify an individual’s risk of developing hereditary forms of cancer. These tests can enable patients to understand their risk and take appropriate changes in lifestyle, through the guidance of their healthcare provider, to reduce their risk. These new tests include BRCAvanatge®, which tests for genes associated with BRCA-related breast and ovarian cancer syndrome, and GIvantage™, which tests for risk of hereditary colon and gastric cancers.
What has been coined the “Angelina effect” after the actress underwent a double mastectomy based on a positive BRCA test, increased the interest of nearly 10 million women aged 18 to 64 who, as researchers found, ordered the now widely-recognized DNA test following her announcement. Mainly recommended for women with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, the preventative screening is also intended for males looking to asses their risk of inherited cancers.
Nearly 1.7 million new cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed in 2018, and as many as 10% of those cancers will be the result of an inherited gene mutation. Insight into hereditary risk enables an individual to consider steps, such as more frequent screening, to potentially detect cancer in an earlier, more treatable stage.
“Sonora Quest Laboratories is proud to offer a menu of extensive DNA testing for a variety of hereditary cancers. We believe it is imperative to our continued mission to empower and educate consumers on how to manage their health by providing them with the innovative resources to be able to do so,” said Christina Noble, chief growth officer.
The new lab-developed tests, available through Sonora Quest’s parent company, Quest Diagnostics, feature a 34-gene panel called MYvantage™ that includes several genes not widely found on existing cancer risk panels. Emerging evidence suggests that the presence of certain mutations of these genes may heighten an individual’s likelihood of developing certain types of breast, ovarian, endometrial and other cancers.
Additionally, the hereditary cancer testing solution is designed to support the patient through the entire testing process, with access to third-party genetic counselor services and support for patients through prior authorization and health plan reimbursement. The company also provides financial assistance to qualified uninsured and underinsured patients. Patients may access test results on their desktop or mobile device through the company’s website, SonoraQuest.com.
For more information on the Sonora Quest Hereditary Cancer menu, visit www.SonoraQuest.com/HereditaryCancer.
