Posted on Wednesday, October 8, 2025
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by AMAC, D.J. Wilson
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0 Comments
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There’s been a big buzz about genetic testing in the news, particularly driven by October’s breast cancer awareness campaign. Genetic testing, also called DNA testing, is known to save lives by bringing about awareness of health conditions/disease that a person might develop. Is it necessary? Discover if genetic testing is right for you.
The importance of genetic testing
Most people dislike nonmandatory medical tests and avoid them. The reality is that as medical technology improves, methods of testing become easier to perform and deliver more advanced results. Ahead of possibly developing health diseases and conditions, many people are opting for genetic testing, a powerful tool proven to save lives. Since knowledge is power, people are encouraged to be proactive for their health so that they can make informed choices. This includes getting genetic testing, particularly if medically necessary. Per CDC, “Genetic testing can give you information to help guide the decisions you make about the medical care you or your family member receives.”
What is the purpose of genetic testing?
Genetic tests are useful tools that identify changes in genes, chromosomes and proteins. This information can confirm or rule out certain suspected genetic conditions and/or provide valuable information about one’s risk of developing diseases such as cancer. Per Mayo Clinic, there are many different types of genetic tests (e.g., diagnostic testing, presymptomatic and predictive testing, carrier testing, pharmacogenetics, prenatal testing, newborn screenings, and preimplantation testing) and they are done for different reasons.
What happens?
Genetic testing involves collecting DNA samples, such as blood, saliva, or a cheek swab. Samples are sent to a laboratory for analysis. Sometimes, results are not definitive, and it may require further testing or follow-ups. Per Medicineplus.gov, “Depending on the purpose of the test, this result may confirm a diagnosis, indicate that a person is a carrier of a particular genetic variant, identify an increased risk of developing a disease (such as cancer), or suggest a need for further testing.” They caution that a positive result of a “predictive or presymptomatic genetic test” usually cannot establish the exact risk of developing a disorder, nor can it predict the course or severity of a condition.
Jill’s story
NBC television personality Jill Martin is open about her experience with breast cancer. She was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer in 2023 and underwent double mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiation, reconstructive surgery and preventative surgery to remove her ovaries and fallopian tubes. Thankfully, she is now considered cancer free. Prior to her cancer diagnosis, she had a clean mammogram and sonogram but now cautions that no test is perfect. Had it not been for a gene spit test, her cancer might not have been discovered until it was too late. She urges people not to be afraid to be tested and emphatically shares, “You do not want to go through cancer. Get genetically tested. Do whatever you can. Take knowledge into your own hands.”
Should I get genetically tested?
Whether to be genetically tested is a personal decision. However, it is one best made in partnership with a medical doctor. It is likely important where concerns exist over one’s risk of developing certain diseases. Per Mayo Clinic, “Although genetic testing can provide important information for diagnosing, treating and preventing illness, there are limitations. For example, if you’re a healthy person, a positive result doesn’t always mean you will develop a disease. On the other hand, in some situations, a negative result doesn’t guarantee that you won’t have a certain disorder.” Doctors can guide patients on whether further tests or health screenings are needed for positive results.
Why get genetic counseling?
A healthcare provider may recommend genetic counseling based on personal and family history. This type of counseling provides information and support for those at risk of genetic disorders. Genetic counselors often specialize in areas such as pediatrics or cancer types or in related medical fields that overlap. CDC shares that in adulthood, genetic counseling may be helpful if you have symptoms of a condition or have family history that may make you more likely to be affected with that condition. This includes hereditary breast cancer, hereditary ovarian cancer, Lynch syndrome, Familial hypercholesterolemia, Muscular dystrophy, Huntington’s disease and sickle cell anemia. Genetic counseling helps individuals adapt to the psychological aspects involved in genetic testing.
Is genetic testing typically covered by insurance?
When recommended by a doctor, genetic testing is likely covered by health insurance. However, coverage can vary from plan to plan. Typically, insurance covers tests that are deemed medically necessary for diagnosis, treatment, or risk assessment purposes. Criteria for medical necessity may include personal family history for a specific genetic condition, a cancer diagnosis influenced by genetic variants, or specific indications during pregnancy such as carrier status for genetic disorders. A doctor or medical specialist can provide information on genetic testing, and they can help patients determine what course of action is appropriate. Most insurance companies require a doctor’s recommendation and pre-authorization to cover the test. People who seek genetic testing but lack insurance coverage can pay out-of-pocket. Some people who have insurance coverage may decline using their insurance. This is sometimes done to avoid genetic discrimination, fear of being treated differently by their employer or insurance company.
How can genetic testing help seniors?
Experts say that some senior citizens may benefit from genetic testing to assess their personal risk for hereditary conditions such as some cancers or dementia. A negative result that indicates the absence of a specific gene mutation may provide some peace of mind for patients and their families. While a positive result is challenging, it does not necessarily mean that the person will get the disease. However, it can ultimately help a patient guide their healthcare decisions, tailor health screenings and medications, and share crucial information with other family members about inherited health risks so that all are armed with knowledge. Talk to your doctor to learn if genetic testing is right for you.
Disclosure: This article is purely informational and is not intended as a medical resource or substitute for medical advice. Please note, this article is not medically reviewed.
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