Preventative Care Assessment to take control of your colorectal health
GeneType for Colorectal Cancer is the most accurate, cutting-edge clinical risk assessment available. Analyzing the most meaningful and important polygenic and clinical risk factors to predict your chance of developing colorectal cancer. Risk assessment is a staple in preventative care; if you are at high risk, there are more colorectal cancer screening and prevention options for you.
GeneType for Colorectal Cancer is a clinical test, ordered by a physician, and designed to identify risk early, so you can better understand what can be done to prevent the disease or to detect it earlier.
How it works?
Purchase your test kit
Swab cheek and send to laboratory
Discuss results as part of a personalized screening plan
Accurate And Secure results
based on sound science.
- GeneType for Colorectal Cancer is a novel DNA-based risk assessment based on a proprietary algorithm designed.
- Validated and performed by a state-of-the-art, NATA-accredited, and CLIA certified lab
- GeneType for Colorectal Cancer is only clinically proven in Caucasian populations.
What does it tell you?
Average Risk
You have the same risk as other individuals of your sex, age and ethnicity. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions on colorectal screening.
Increased Risk
Your colorectal health discussion with your healthcare provider should cover a range of strategies to reduce your risk including screening methods and frequency, medications and lifestyle factors.
High Risk
You have an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer. You will be referred to a specialist if you are not already seeing one. A colorectal health plan according to guidelines may include iFOBT every two years beginning at age 35 and colonoscopy starting at age 45. Your surveillance and risk-reducing medication plans will be determined by your team of healthcare specialists.
Hey. Have questions? We have answers.
Find our most frequently asked questions bellow. In case you don't find an answers to your question contact us directly.
What will my GeneType for Colorectal Cancer results tell me?
Your results will tell you, based on genetics and other risk factors, your risk for developing sporadic colorectal cancer over two different time periods: the next ten years and in your lifetime. Your risk will be compared to the average risk for someone of your age, ethnicity, and sex. You and your healthcare provider can use this information to develop a personalized screening and risk reduction plan.
How does GeneType for Colorectal Cancer assess my risk?
GeneType for Colorectal Cancer combines several of your risk factors, such as age, family history, and your DNA markers, into one comprehensive risk assessment.
Is GeneType for Colorectal Cancer a blood test?
No. GeneType for Colorectal Cancer is a DNA test from a cheek swab. Your healthcare provider will rub the swab between your cheek and gums to collect the sample.
What are DNA markers?
“DNA markers” is a simple term we use to describe small differences in DNA between individuals. GeneType for Colorectal Cancer looks at DNA markers that have been scientifically proven to be associated with colorectal cancer.
What is a polygenic risk score?
A polygenic risk score (PRS) combines the effects of multiple DNA markers to rank your risk against that of the general population. While one or two DNA markers don’t have a strong influence on risk, many markers together can have a large impact. Your polygenic risk score adds up the effects of over 40 DNA markers.
Will insurance cover this test?
This test is not generally covered by insurance. Your ordering healthcare provider will discuss the cost of the test with you. A credit card authorization form will be included in the test kit that list the payment options.
Which ethnicities is GeneType for Colorectal Cancer available to?
At this time, GeneType for Colorectal Cancer is only validated for assessing colorectal cancer risk in individuals of Caucasian ancestry. We are continuing to improve our test and add validated models for additional ethnicities.
Why is GeneType for Colorectal Cancer only available for individualsbetween the ages of 30-80?
The majority (about 90%) of colorectal cancer diagnoses occur in individuals over 50. Our test examines risk in individuals before they are eligible for routine screening and up until the age when screening is no longer recommended.
I have no family history of colorectal cancer. Why do I need this test?
Most people diagnosed with colorectal cancer have very little or no family history of the disease. GeneType for Colorectal Cancer looks at common DNA markers that many of us carry that, when combined with other risk factors such as age, can impact your risk for colorectal cancer, even if you don’t have any family history of the condition.
How is this test different from hereditary cancer testing?
Hereditary cancer is caused by a relatively rare DNA change in a gene that has a very large impact on risk. Often (but not always), individuals who carry a rare hereditary cancer mutation (also called a pathogenic variant) will have more than one family member who have been diagnosed with the same type of cancer. GeneType for Colorectal Cancer does not test for rare hereditary cancer variants. Instead, GeneType for Colorectal Cancer tests for common DNA variants that individually have a small impact on risk, but when combined together can have a bigger impact. These common DNA variants increase risk for sporadic (not hereditary) colorectal cancer, which is the type of colorectal cancer that affects the majority of people.
I tested positive for a hereditary colorectal cancer gene mutation. Can I get the GeneType for Colorectal Cancer test?
No, sorry. At this time, GeneType for Colorectal Cancer is only appropriate for individuals who are not carriers of a hereditary colorectal cancer mutation (pathogenic variant).
I underwent hereditary cancer genetic testing, but I do not carry a pathogenic variant. Can I get the GeneType for Colorectal Cancer test?
Yes! If you previously tested negative as a carrier for a hereditary colorectal cancer mutation, you can have your risk assessed with GeneType for Colorectal Cancer.
If I have already done the GeneType for Colorectal Cancer test, do I need to be tested again?
Some of your risk factors, like your age, will change over time. In addition, we may add additional DNA markers or other risk factors to GeneType for Colorectal Cancer as new validation studies are published. For these reasons, you and your healthcare provider may wish to revisit your genetic risk assessment every few years.
Does GeneType for Colorectal Cancer need to be ordered by a healthcare provider?
Yes. Only a healthcare provider can order GeneType for Colorectal Cancer.
What do I need to bring with me to my appointment?
If you are discussing colorectal cancer risk with your healthcare provider for the first time, you may want to print out our patient questionnaire to help guide your conversation. Also, if you need to talk to some family members to refresh your memory on your family history of cancers, do so prior to your appointment.
How long will it take to receive my results?
Results are delivered to your ordering healthcare provider in approximately three weeks.