BRCA testing with 23andme

LAstar

Exciting news! BRCA1 and BRCA2 testing now comes with genetic testing from 23andme.com.

https://mediacenter.23andme.com/press-releases/23a...

wrenn

I did this last year. I think Color Genomics tests more genes than 23andme. If you scroll to the bottom of this page you can see what they test for.

https://www.color.com/learn/can-cancer-be-inherited

Hopeful82014

I could be wrong but I believe that Color Genomics operates under more stringent privacy regulations than 23andMe. It's also my understanding that their basic aims differ in that CG is more medically oriented and 23 more market and capitalization oriented. I could be wrong about both but with an issue as sensitive as genomic testing I would be very cautious.

In addition, BRCA testing is by no means the end all and be all as far as breast cancer susceptibility is concerned. A broader panel, such as Wrenn mentioned above, would be more likely to provide useful insight into cancer risks.

lekker

According to the email I got from 23andme, they are only testing for the two BRCA1 and one BRCA2 “founder” mutations most commonly found in the Ashkenazi (Eastern European) Jewish population. So Color (and really any of the other genetic cancer panels) would give much more information. Ideally people would speak to a Licensed Gebetic Counselor before doing any testing so they understand the possible ramifications and find out which testing (if any) is most appropriate for their individual situation

farmerlucy

Just as an aside. I did the 23andMe ancestry kit last month. Ponied up the extra $69 for the health assessment.

Worst money I've ever spend. Turns out I have one gene for late onset Alzheimer's. Some things you just don't need to know. Hopefully BC gets me just before I lose my mind.

Hugs all around.

Hopeful82014

Those are excellent points, too, Lekker.

Moderators

This is an interesting conversation, and we appreciate hearing your perspectives, what you have chosen in terms of genetic testing, what you understand from the home genomic testing vs the testing you would receive through a treatment center. Why have you chosen what, and what factors are most important to you. Thanks for sharing.

farmerlucy

I had BRCA and BART done through Myriad about six years ago after a full genetic counseling session. My doctor felt I should have the newer Myriad My Risk and we ordered it but insurance would not pay, so we tried another company (Univ of Washington??). Insurance would not pay that either. About that same time I learned about Color Genomics on this site. I jumped at the chance to get it. I was among the first to be tested I think. At that time it took many months, but the end results were very comprehensive and I also was able speak to a genetic counselor after I received my results.

23andMe. Now that is a different story. What is the point of testing for a disease that you can do nothing about preventing. Sorry I did that. Not putting too much stock in the results either - about the same trust I put in a “fortune teller” at the fair.

LizzieP123

23andme so interesting if you want to know where all your peeps came from. I'd go for a more medical site for health information.

ksusan

I exported my 23andMe data to Promethease, which then allowed me to download a great mass of genetic info that was, at the time, hidden on 23andMe. I found it useful and interesting, though it was a great bolus of data that needed to be sifted through. I had Myriad MyRisk (with the newer test portions denied by my insurance). 23andMe has only basic BRCA data now, but that's more than they had a month ago. I hope that as time goes on they'll have more information available, which I'll be able to see free as a member without hassling with my insurance company.

Ingerp

This was enlightening:

http://www.breastcancer.org/community/podcasts/home-genetic-tests-20180309