After Genetic Testing: What Happens Next?
How Long Does It Take to Get Results?
Your blood sample is sent to a special lab for testing. It may take a few weeks to get your results.
What Happens When My Test Results Are Ready?
When your results are ready, someone from our team will contact you with your results. Depending on your results, we may schedule a follow-up visit to discuss next steps. You can always ask to meet with your genetic counselor if you have questions or want to talk more about your results.
Your genetic counselor is available to help:
- Explain your test results in simple terms
- Answer any questions you have
- Tell you what your results mean for your cancer risk
- Help you plan for health screenings
- Give you emotional support
What Do Results Look Like?
Genetic testing checks your DNA. DNA is like instructions for your body. We look for changes that might affect your cancer risk. There are three types of results you can get from testing:
Negative Test Result:
A negative result means you do not have a gene change that increases your chance of having cancer. You should still follow regular cancer screening guidelines.
Positive Test Result:
A positive test result means that you do have a genetic change that increases your risk of getting cancer. This doesn’t mean you will definitely get cancer — it means you and your doctor should watch more closely and may recommend extra screening. We will work with you to create a personal plan for your next steps.
Variant of Uncertain Significance (VUS) Result:
A VUS result means there is a change in your genes, but scientists don’t know yet if it impacts your cancer risk. We treat this like a negative result — nothing changes in your care until we learn more. When there is more information, your doctor will let you know.
Remember
All three types of results give you useful information to help manage your health. Your genetic counselor will work with you to understand what your results mean for you and your family. They can also help connect you to resources or other services you might need.
