A VUS test result means a difference in a gene was found compared to what we usually find.
· We all have differences in some of our genes.
· A VUS test result does not change your medical care.
However, a family history of cancer may change medical care.
Researchers may find out more about a VUS in the future.
· Over 90% of the time, new information will show that a VUS
is a “benign variant.” (This means the difference in the gene
does not raise cancer risks.)
· Rarely, new information will show that a VUS is a
“pathogenic variant.” (This means the difference in the gene
raises cancer risks.)
Sometimes providers who do genetic testing will contact you. However, you may want to reach out to the provider who ordered your test every few years to see if there are any updates.
A VUS test result does not tell us anything about your cancer risk.
· Everyone is at risk for cancer.
· Your risk for cancer may be higher if…
a parent, brother, sister, or child had cancer or if
you have several family members who had cancer.
· Most of the time a VUS result does not explain why there is
cancer in the family, even when there is a strong family
history of cancer.
There are good options to prevent certain cancers or find them early when they are easier to treat:
· Your healthcare provider can help you decide what cancer
prevention and screening options are best for you.
· Share your family history of cancer with your healthcare
provider, because it may change your medical care.
Sharing cancer family history information may help your family prevent cancer or find it early.
· Your family members may be at higher risk for cancer
because of a family history.
· A family history of cancer might change medical care for
your family members.
Share information about who in the family has had cancer, what types of cancer, and ages at diagnosis.
Click here for a worksheet to collect cancer family history
Click here for online tools to collect cancer family history
It depends:
· Sometimes family members will be asked to join a research
study to learn more about the VUS.
· However, a VUS test result is NOT a reason to do clinical
genetic testing of other family members.
Family members are unlikely to benefit from clinical genetic
testing themselves unless…
1. The family member has cancer, and you don’t have cancer.
2. The family member has a strong history of cancer on their
other side of the family.
3. New genes are discovered that were not included in your
original test.
4. There are other reasons to test family.
The choice is yours
• It might be helpful for family members to know that you did
not test positive.
• Click here for reasons why some people do and others do
not share their VUS test result.
• If you do share your VUS test result, it may help to give
others this handout explaining a VUS.
• When sharing your genetic test result, remind them that
VUS results do not change medical care.
People often talk with their family members and send them written information.
Click here for ideas of what you might say
Click here for written information that may help your family members remember what you talked about and help them get answers to their questions.