Monday, April 20, 2015

Genetic testing for breast cancer gets more affordable

Genetic tests for cancer can run thousands of dollars, but Color Genomics plans to change that: it's offering testing for the cancer risk variants BRCA1 and BRCA2 — as well as 17 others — for $249, starting today. By comparison, Myriad Genetics' similar test costs about $4,000.

Unlike consumer-oriented genetic testing offered by 23andMe, Color Genomics' test will be available only through health care providers. And the company has genetic counselors available to help patients interpret their results. It's a major challenge to Myriad's BRCA empire, at a fraction of the cost, just as insurers begin to shy away from the bills for genetic testing.

The gene variants BRCA1 and BRCA2 are among the best-known risk factors. Carriers of...

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