23andme vs. Myriad

Sheff · December 2009

Hi all,

I am in Canada and my own and familty history does not qualify me for genetic testing for BC, even though I want this done.

I've noticed that 23andme now offers BRCA1 and 2 testing as part of the service for $499. This seems really good compared to Myriad's $3125. However, I don't know enough about this subject to determine whether Myriad is better for some reason. It does mention on the 23andme website that it only tests for 3 of the known genetic mutuaions on the gene. Please see https://www.23andme.com/health/BRCA-Cancer/

Any help would be appreciated.

Sheff

Beesie · December 2009

Myriad is better because they test for all the BRCA mutations; this test only tests for the three mutations that are most common among people with an Ashkenazi Jewish background. So for those who are of Ashkenazi descent, this might be a reasonable alternative (although it still wouldn't provide the whole answer) but for anyone else, I'd think this test is pretty much useless. I'd also be a little cautious getting a BRCA test read by any company other than Myriad simply because Myriad owns the patent on the BRCA genes so I would wonder how it is that any other company is able to bypass the patent (perhaps they explain this on the website - I didn't read everything thoroughly). Maybe the test would be effective but I would be nervous about it.

Sheff, why do you want to have the BRCA test? What are your concerns and why do you feel that you are at risk? And do you have a family history of breast, ovarian and/or prostate cancer? Usually it is preferable for someone in the family who has been diagnosed with cancer to get the testing done first; then, if this individual tests positive, others in the family can be tested. At that point, the test is much quicker and less expensive, since the specific mutation will already have been identified.

smirks44 · December 2009

Hiya Sheff!

I am have some of the same questions as Bessie......do you have a family history? Have you had cancer yourself? If so, I am also wondering who told you that you are not eligible for testing. I think some family doctors are more well-versed on these issues than others, and if you have a history it may be worth asking someone else for a referral. What is your situation???

Sheff · January 2010

Hello,

Thanks for the replies.

I have BC already Frown . I am 34 years old and my mother also had BC at 69. For various reasons I don't have much info as to the health of other members of my family. I'd like to get the test done to #1 determine whether I should consider a double mast as well as an ooph. #2 - If do have the gene I have many much younger siblings which this information may be useful to and #3 my husband is an Ashkenazi jew (I am not) so if I do have the gene I think he should be tested to re: children.

I am from Canada and I don't meet the governments criteria for coverage which is diagnosis at 33 yrs (missed it by one year, plus I obvioulsy had cancer at 33) and/or 3 or more relatives (I only know of my mom).

Sheff

Beesie · January 2010

Sheff, what province are you in? In Ontario you would meet the OHIP criteria (unless they've been changed within the past couple of years).

This is from the Toronto Star, March 2008:

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Criteria for Genetic Testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 in the Province of Ontario:

Note: In the following criteria, breast cancer refers to invasive breast cancer or ductal carcinoma-in-situ (DCIS) and does not include lobular carcinoma-in-situ (LCIS). Ovarian cancer includes invasive forms of epithelial ovarian cancer, primary peritoneal cancer and cancer of the fallopian tubes.

Testing for affected individuals with breast or ovarian cancer

At least one case of cancer:

1. Jewish and breast cancer {lt}50 years, or ovarian cancer at any age.

Note: testing limited to ethnic-specific mutations, unless meet other criteria.

2. Breast cancer {lt}35 years of age.

3. Male breast cancer.

4. Invasive serous ovarian cancer at any age.

At least 2 cases of cancer on the same side of the family:

5. Breast cancer {lt}60 years, and a first or second-degree relative with ovarian cancer or male breast cancer.

6. Breast and ovarian cancer in the same individual, or bilateral breast cancer with the first tumour occurring {lt}50 years.

7. Two cases of breast cancer, both {lt}50 years, in first or second-degree relatives.

8. Two cases of ovarian cancer, any age, in first or second-degree relatives.

9. Jewish and breast cancer at any age, and any family history of breast or ovarian cancer.

Note: testing limited to ethnic-specific mutations, unless meet other criteria.

At least 3 cases of cancer on the same side of the family:

10. Three or more cases of breast or ovarian cancer at any age, in a pattern suggestive of an inherited form of breast/ovarian cancer.

Testing for Unaffected Individuals (this should be done only if affected individuals are unavailable e.g. deceased)

11. Relative of individual with known BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation.

Note: specific family mutation only tested.

12. Jewish and first or second-degree relative of individual with:

-breast cancer {lt}50 years, or

-ovarian cancer at any age, or

-male breast cancer, or

-breast cancer, any age, with positive

family history of breast or ovarian cancer

Note: testing limited to ethnic-specific mutations, unless meet other criteria.

13. In exceptional cases, testing may be offered to a first-degree relative of an affected individual who has breast or ovarian cancer, and who also has a pedigree strongly suggestive of hereditary breast/ovarian cancer, i.e. risk of carrying a mutation for the individual being tested is {gt}10%. Every attempt must be made to contact and offer testing to the highest-risk family member first.

http://www.thestar.com/living/article/350286

23andme vs. Myriad

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