We are hosting a community genetic testing event at the CHRISTUS St. Vincent Health Specialists Clinic in Los Alamos on Tuesday, June 24 from 12-2 pm. You will have the opportunity to learn about genetic testing, speak to Dr. Amani Jambhekar about your family history, and if you meet criteria we will do a blood test on site which will be billed to your insurance and test you for a 48 gene panel which includes BRCA 1 and 2. Most insurances cover the test with no out of pocket cost.
If you have a personal or family history of breast, colon, or uterine cancer diagnosed under the age of 50, any family members with ovarian cancer or male breast cancer or triple negative breast cancer, a parent or sibling with pancreatic cancer or metastatic prostate cancer, or multiple family members with breast, ovarian, prostate, colon, and uterine cancer, please come by!
There will be free cookies from Chocolate Maven in Santa Fe.
FAQs:
1. How do I know if I meet criteria for genetic testing?
You will fill out your family history on an iPad which will help compile all of the different guidelines to see if you are eligible. Most of the criteria are listed above.
2. What happens if my insurance does not cover the testing?
You will get a cost estimate from the company and have the option to decline testing or pay the out of pocket cost which is usually $249 or lower
3. How long does it take to get the results?
It depends on how many people we test! If we test 40+ at once it can take 4-6 weeks to get the results.
4. What happens if my results show I do have a gene mutation or am high risk for breast cancer?
We will meet with you in our high risk breast or cancer specific screening clinic so we can do the more surveillance tests for you - telehealth options also available
5. If I’ve been tested before for BRCA 1/2, do I need to be tested again?
If you had genetic testing for cancer genes more than 10 years ago, it’s a good idea to get tested again
6. Do I need an appointment?
No, show up anytime between 12 and 2 pm on June 24 - my team and I will be there!
7. Do I need to bring anything with me?
Please bring your insurance card with you as the testing is billed to your insurance.
Also check out other Health & Wellness events in Los Alamos.
