Testing for Hereditary Colorectal Cancer Syndromes
Our office offers genetic testing to determine if a patient is at risk for developing colorectal cancer.

Many individuals are unaware of their inherited risk. Whether or not you've had cancer yourself, a family history of early onset colorectal and/or endometrial cancer, or other Lynch Syndrome(HNPCC)-related cancers at any age, is suspicious for inherited colorectal cancer. While the majority of colorectal and endometrial cancers are sporadic, or not caused by inherited risk factors, research has shown that up to ten percent of these cases are due to inherited cancer syndromes. One of these inherited syndromes is known as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC). Individuals with HNPCC have up to an 80 percent risk of colorectal cancer and up to a 71 percent risk of endometrial cancer by age 70. If a person has an HNPCC mutation, their parents, children, brothers and sisters may also have the same mutation. Genetic testing is the only way to accurately identify individuals who carry mutations in these genes.

We offer two different tests. These tests, known as Colaris and Colaris AP, are used to identify if patients have the genetic mutation signifying they are more at risk to develop colon cancer. If you are interested in getting tested, please speak with your doctor.

For more information, visit Myriad Genetic Laboratories, Inc.

To view patient videos please click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does genetic testing really make a difference if I already know I have a family history of cancer?

2. How are the COLARIS® and COLARIS AP® tests performed?

3. How long do I have to wait for the results of my COLARIS® or COLARIS AP® test?

4. Will my health insurance pay for the COLARIS® or COLARIS AP® test?

1. Does genetic testing really make a difference if I already know I have a family history of cancer?
Yes. Genetic testing for inherited cancers helps you and your doctor understand your true risk so you can make the best choices for preventive medical care. Knowing your family history is a very important first step, but genetic testing provides a more accurate assessment of your inherited cancer risk.
top

2. How are the COLARIS® and COLARIS AP® tests performed?
Your doctor draws a small amount of your blood or refers you to a blood draw facility and then sends it to Myriad Genetic Laboratories for analysis. This analysis involves a complex process called gene sequencing. These tests also look for large rearrangements in the genes that will not be identified by gene sequencing.
top

3. How long do I have to wait for the results of my COLARIS® or COLARIS AP® test?
Your doctor will share test results with you as soon as they are available, which can be as soon as four weeks from the date your test is started.
top
 
4. Will my health insurance pay for the COLARIS® or COLARIS AP® test?
Most health insurance plans pay for COLARIS® and COLARIS AP®. Call the Myriad Reimbursement Assistance Program (MRAP) at 800-469-7423 for more details about the reimbursement process. MRAP can also assist you with determining coverage through your insurance company.
top