The popular at-home genetic test 23andMe is making headlines again. Recent research presented at the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics annual meeting showed the tests are not a reliable predictor of breast cancer risks.
23andMe’s tests for breast cancer risks, BUT only for 3 out of over 1000+ genetic variants. The results of the study found that as many as 90% of breast cancer risk increasing genetic mutations could be missed. Although 23andMe does specifically state on their website that it is testing for only three of the known breast cancer gene mutations, consumers may be misled into thinking they are not at risk for breast cancer when they in fact are.
It is important to remember this test is NOT a substitute for a proper evaluation by a doctor and genetic counselor. Although this test is less expensive and perhaps more convenient, the knowledge that comes with these test results is extremely limited and should not be used to make any medical treatment decisions.
Author: Courtney Floyd
Recent research presented at the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics annual meeting showed 23andMe genetic tests are not a reliable predictor of breast cancer risks.
Leave Comment
Sign Up for Our Monthly Newsletter
Continue Reading
Study Finds At-Home 23andMe Genetic Test Not Reliable in Detecting Breast Cancer Risk
More Countries Moving Towards Banning Textured Breast Implants
More Countries Moving Towards Banning Textured Breast Implants July 20, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin In the wake of breast implant safety concerns, more countries are moving towards banning textured implants Last week, France announced a ban on textured implants due to their link with Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). Now, […]
I’m Worried About My Breast Implants Causing Cancer. What Should I Do?
I’m Worried About My Breast Implants Causing Cancer. What Should I Do? July 20, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin Breast implants and their link to cancer have been making news headlines. According to the FDA, Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a rare and treatable cancer of the immune system (not a […]
FDA Takes Closer Look Into Implant Safety During Two Day Hearing
FDA Takes Closer Look Into Implant Safety During Two Day Hearing July 20, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin March 26th, 2019 concluded the US Food and Drug Administration’s two-day hearing reviewing the safety of breast implants. The hearing included breast implant manufacturers, physicians and patients who have experienced health complications they believe are directly […]
DIEP Flap Abdominal Scar Placement
DIEP Flap Abdominal Scar Placement July 20, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin Where will the abdominal scar be after DIEP flap breast reconstruction? DIEP flap breast reconstruction uses the patient’s lower abdominal skin and fat (no muscle) to reconstruct a natural, warm, soft breast after a mastectomy. The lower abdominal tissue is removed as a football […]
Running After Breast Reconstruction
Running After Breast Reconstruction July 20, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin What is it like working out again after breast reconstruction? In October 2013, at the age of 40 I was diagnosis with stage 3C breast cancer. I was a runner and a triathlete and continued to run and exercise through treatment. In 2014, […]
Long Term Abdominal Strength Post DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
Long Term Abdominal Strength Post DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction July 20, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin What is the long-term impact of DIEP flap breast reconstruction on abdominal strength? Many patients are initially concerned that having DIEP flap breast reconstruction will negatively impact abdominal muscle strength. This is a common misconception. Older procedures, like […]
701 Flaps and Other Exciting Accomplishments in 2018
701 Flaps and Other Exciting Accomplishments in 2018 July 20, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin 2018 has been an incredible year at PRMA Plastic Surgery! This past year we have opened two new clinic locations, welcomed new staff to the team, began performing new lymphedema treatment procedures and set a new practice record for autologous flap breast reconstruction […]
Sale of Allergan Textured Breast Implants Halted in Europe
Sale of Allergan Textured Breast Implants Halted in Europe July 20, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin Are textured breast implants safe? If you are considering breast implants either for cosmetic surgery or breast reconstruction surgery and have done any research on breast implants lately, you may be concerned about headlines stating that breast implants […]
American Board of Cosmetic Surgery Can No Longer Advertise as “Board Certified” in California
American Board of Cosmetic Surgery Can No Longer Advertise as “Board Certified” in California July 20, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin Have you heard the latest Plastic Surgery news? The Medical Board of California (MBC) has unanimously voted against members of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS) promoting themselves as “board certified” cosmetic […]
No Comments