The “Myriad My Risk Genetic Screening” is a saliva test that checks markers for cancers of the breast, colon, ovaries, pancreas and others. The testing may lead to prevention, including MRI surveillance and potentially hormone blocker prevention.

“This is life-saving testing,” says Laurie Schirling, Breast Care Center director. “We had a patient in her early 40s who had non-aggressive breast cancer. With the testing, we found that she also carried a colon marker. So, she went in for a colonoscopy, and discovered she had Stage 1 colon cancer. She wouldn’t have been screened for colon cancer until age 50.”

To qualify for the screening, patients must meet certain criteria. Results take three to four weeks. When they arrive, a Breast Care Center representative discusses the results with a physician or primary care provider.

 The screening is covered by most insurance plans. For more information, please call the Breast Care Center at 559-537-2300.