This information will help you learn more about your genetic test results. It is not a cancer management plan. Talk with your healthcare provider before making any decisions about cancer screening or surgeries. They will help you make a cancer management plan based on your personal and family history of cancer and your genetic test results.
When can I see my results?
Your genetic test results will be available in MyMSK as soon as they’re in our computer system. This means you may see your results before your healthcare provider has seen them or discussed them with you. Your healthcare provider will be in touch with you after reviewing your test results.
Where can I find my results?
You can see your genetic test results in MyMSK using the app or the web browser (desktop or mobile device):
- If you’re using the MyMSK mobile app, select Medical Info. Then select Test Results.
- If you’re using your web browser, select Medical Info on the blue banner at the top of the screen. Then select Test Results and Reports.
If you have trouble finding your test results, call the MyMSK Help Desk toll free at 800-248-0593 or at 646-227-2593. They are available Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. (Eastern time).
What does a positive test result mean?
A positive test result means that a change in a gene (known as a mutation) was found. That mutation may help explain why a person was diagnosed with cancer. It may also explain why certain types of cancer exist in a family.
A mutation may also mean that there is an increased risk of developing certain types of cancer. The risks for cancer and the specific type of cancer may be different for different mutations. For some mutations, the risks of specific cancers may be high. For other mutations, the risks may be lower.
A person with a mutation may be offered special or more frequent cancer screening exams to try to find any cancers as early as possible. The exact exams will depend on the gene that is mutated. For some mutations, there are no clear guidelines about the best screening exams to use, or how often to have them.
A person with a mutation may also be offered certain types of surgeries. These surgeries may help reduce their risk of developing cancer. Your healthcare provider will discuss your cancer management recommendations with you.
If a person has a mutation, family members may also carry this same mutation. If they do, they may also have an increased risk for the types of cancer linked to that mutation.
An MSK genetic counselor can help identify who in the family is at risk of having the mutation, who should be tested, and when is the right time (age) for them to get tested.
What does a negative test result mean?
A negative test result means that no mutation was found. This can happen for several reasons. For example:
- Your personal or family history of cancer could have happened by chance. Some types of cancer may occur in several people in a family without being caused by a genetic mutation.
- There may be a genetic mutation in other members of your family, but you did not inherit it.
- You could have a mutation in the gene(s) that was tested, but the mutation cannot be found by the current testing method. No one form of genetic testing can find all mutations in a gene.
- You may have a mutation in a different gene. For example, you could carry either a mutation in a gene that has not yet been discovered or a very rare genetic mutation.
What does a variant of uncertain significance mean?
A variant of uncertain significance is a change in a gene that is not yet fully understood. We do not yet know if the change has any impact on your risk of developing cancer. Your healthcare provider will make cancer screening recommendations for you based on your family history. Future research may make it clearer whether or not a variant of uncertain significance leads to increased risks of cancer.
Who should I contact if I have questions?
If you have questions, call the MSK healthcare provider who ordered your genetic test.