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Know Your Hereditary Colon Cancer Risk

Take care of your health by understanding your genetic risk of developing colon cancer. MyRisk is a hereditary cancer test that can identify your inherited risk of developing 11 different types of hereditary cancer, including colon cancer.

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What is genetic testing for hereditary colon cancer?

The MyRisk test gives you a clearer understanding of your individual risk for 11 different types of hereditary cancers, including colon cancer. The test can determine whether you are a carrier of gene mutations associated with Lynch syndrome or polyposis syndromes, which are known to cause hereditary colon cancer. MyRisk results can give you and your healthcare provider the insights needed to help create an effective medical management plan.

Take the next step with hereditary cancer testing.

Fast facts on colon cancer

4.1% of U.S. men and women will be diagnosed with colon cancer during their lifetime1

Hereditary colon cancer risk can be as high as >99% for people with specific genetic mutations

Knowing your hereditary colon cancer risk helps you and your healthcare provider take preventive action that could potentially save your life

Your path to action starts with the MyRisk Test

The MyRisk Test gives you more than results—it provides clarity, confidence, and a plan you can act on. With comprehensive screening, expert guidance, and personalized insights, the MyRisk Test helps you and your provider take proactive steps to protect your health.

Comprehensive cancer risk genetic testing

Evaluates 63 genes associated with 11 hereditary cancers, including breast, ovarian, colorectal, uterine, skin, pancreatic, gastric (stomach), prostate, renal (kidney), lung, and endocrine.

Clear results and expert support

Your results come with clear, actionable recommendations based on trusted clinical guidelines. Our team of board-certified genetic counselors is available to help you understand what your results mean for you.

Personalized breast cancer insight

If eligible, you’ll also receive RiskScore®, a personalized five-year and remaining lifetime risk estimate for developing breast cancer.

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Take the next step with MyRisk®

Know your risk. Know your options.

Take the next step with MyRisk®

Interested in learning more about the MyRisk Test and your ordering options? Fill out the form below to get started.


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How does testing with the MyRisk Test work?

With the MyRisk Test, you can choose to work with your healthcare provider to get tested or obtain the test using virtual care. With virtual care, checking your genetic risk is simple and stress-free. Everything you need comes in one kit, delivered right to your door.

Start with a consultation

Connect with our virtual care partner to determine if the MyRisk Test is right for you.

Receive and return your kit

Your test kit arrives by mail with everything you need. Collect your saliva sample at home and send it back using the prepaid return packaging.

Get your results

Once your sample reaches our lab, results are typically available within 14 days. You’ll meet with a genetic counselor to go over your results and discuss next steps.

How much does the MyRisk Test cost?

With our virtual care option, the initial consultation with a board-certified genetic counselor is free and takes place via online chat. During the consultation, you’ll learn whether you’re eligible for the MyRisk Test. If testing is recommended, there is a $39 fee to proceed. The actual cost of the MyRisk Test itself varies depending on your insurance coverage or other payment options.

Learn more about cost

Insurance coverage

Most commercial and federally-funded insurance plans cover hereditary cancer testing,2 and the majority of patients face no out-of-pocket costs for the MyRisk Test.3 For those that do have an out-of-pocket cost, we offer options to make testing accessible and affordable.

Cost breakdown

  1. Eligibility consultation with board-certified genetic counselor: FREE
  2. MyRisk Test kit order (if eligible): $39 - charged at the time of order
  3. Lab & testing cost:
    • Once your sample is received, you'll get a cost estimate.
    • If the estimate is over $249, please call to discuss your options.

Am I good candidate for the MyRisk Test?

You may be eligible if you have a personal or family history of certain cancers, such as rare cancers, cancers that occur at a younger age than usual, or cancers that affect multiple relatives. Through virtual care, a board-certified genetic counselor can review your personal and family history and help guide you on whether testing is appropriate.

Even if your family history doesn’t show a strong pattern, you can still choose to be tested. Take charge of your health and get started easily online with our virtual care option.

Get started with the MyRisk Test through virtual care

Get started with simple, convenient hereditary cancer testing through our virtual care partner, DNAvisit. With an at‑home saliva kit, virtual guidance, and support from board‑certified genetic counselors, you can get tested right from home.

Get started with virtual care

Frequently asked questions

  • Is colon cancer hereditary?
    Colon or rectal cancers can be caused by hereditary mutations passed down through generations of family members. Two syndromes are often the cause of hereditary colon cancer: Lynch syndrome and Polyposis.
  • What is Lynch syndrome?
    Also called hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) syndrome, Lynch syndrome is an inherited condition that increases a person’s risk of developing colon cancer and other cancers. Individuals with Lynch syndrome carry a harmful mutation in the MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2 and EPCAM genes. Mutations in these genes are the cause of approximately three to five percent of hereditary colon or rectal cancers (colorectal cancers).4
  • Is Lynch syndrome serious?
    Lynch syndrome increases one’s risk of developing many types of cancer, and people diagnosed with the condition are more likely to develop cancer before the age of 50.5 If you have been diagnosed with Lynch syndrome or have a family history of colorectal cancer, consider visiting your healthcare provider for a cancer screening.
  • What cancers are linked to Lynch syndrome?
    People with Lynch syndrome are at higher risk of developing several different types of cancer, including:
    • Colorectal cancer
    • Endometrial (uterine) cancer
    • Ovarian cancer
    • Gastric (stomach) cancer
    In addition, the risk of developing urinary tract, renal, pelvic, biliary tract, small bowel, pancreatic, and brain cancers may also be higher.
  • What are the signs or symptoms of Lynch syndrome?
    Many people with Lynch syndrome will experience no symptoms well into adulthood, which makes genetic testing even more important for those with a family history of colorectal cancers. If symptoms do manifest, they are commonly similar to those of cancers caused by Lynch syndrome, including:6
    • Bloody stool
    • Constipation
    • Diarrhea
    • Abdominal cramps
    • Bloating
    • Vomiting
    • Fatigue
  • What is polyposis?
    Polyposis includes several syndromes characterized by the formation of polyps (abnormal growths) on the lining of the colon or other parts of the gastrointestinal tract. Most colon polyps are benign, but some may develop into colon cancer. Approximately two percent of all colon cancer is thought to be caused by two conditions related to adenomatous polyposis, or abnormal polyp growths:7
  • Colon cancer risks: Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
    FAP is a genetic disorder that increases a person’s likelihood of developing adenomas, or precancerous colon polyps. While it’s common for people to develop a small number of colon polyps as they age, those with a hereditary syndrome like FAP will develop many, starting from a younger age. The more colon polyps a person develops, the greater the likelihood that one will become cancerous.
    FAP (or “classic” FAP) is characterized by the presence of 100+ adenomatous polyps in one’s colon, while “attenuated” FAP is marked by 20-100 colon polyps. FAP and attenuated FAP are caused by mutations in the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene.8
  • Colon cancer risks: MUTYH-associated polyposis (MAP)
    MAP is caused by mutations in the mutY homolog (MUTYH) gene, which plays an important role in DNA repair. Individuals with MAP have mutations in both copies of their MUTYH gene, one from each parent, and they often have no family history of colon cancer or polyps in their parents (although siblings may be affected).
    MAP can cause polyps to develop in the colon and rectum. As with FAP, these polyps aren’t necessarily cancerous, but some may turn into cancer. Having MAP significantly increases your risk of developing colorectal cancer, so it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about regular cancer screenings and genetic testing.9
  • What percent of colon cancer cases are hereditary?
    Approximately 5% of people who develop colon cancer have inherited genetic mutations (meaning they are passed down from family) that can cause various syndromes, including Lynch syndrome, familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), and MUTYH-associated polyposis (MAP), which can lead to cancer.10
  • From which side of the family is colon cancer inherited?
    The hereditary mutations known to be associated with Lynch syndrome, familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), and MUTYH-associated polyposis (MAP), all of which can cause colon or rectal cancers, can be inherited from either side of the family.10
  • What are the chances of getting colon cancer if you have a family history of colon cancer?
    Exact likelihoods are unknown, but a history of colon cancer in a first-degree relative (meaning a parent, sibling, or child) does increase your risk of developing colon cancer. Of those who do develop colon cancer, as many as 1 in 3 have a family history of the disease.10
  • What is the survival rate for hereditary colon cancer?
    For people with hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) syndrome, an inherited condition also known as Lynch syndrome, the survival rate at five years after diagnosis is approximately 60%. At 10 years after diagnosis, the survival rate of those with Lynch syndrome is between 70% and 80%.11
  • When should you get a cancer screening if you have a family history of colon cancer?
    For people who have a first-degree relative with colon cancer or adenomatous polyps, a colonoscopy is recommended starting at age 40, then every five years thereafter. Genetic testing should also be considered to better understand your cancer risk factors.12

    Additional hereditary risks for colon cancer
    Other gene mutations and syndromes can also contribute to colon cancer risk. Learn more about genes most commonly associated with colon cancer risk and their related syndromes.

References:

  1. National Cancer Institute. Cancer stat facts: Colorectal cancer. Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program. https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/colorect.html. Accessed September 27, 2022.
  2. Giardiello FM, et al. (2014) Guidelines on Genetic Evaluation and Management of Lynch Syndrome: A Consensus Statement by the US Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer. Am J Gastroenterol. 2014 109:1159-79.
  3. CDC. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/high-quality-care/hcp/resources/preventive-services-coverage.html
  4. Based on a review of 12 months of past claim data for major insurance carriers across the US, the majority of patients face no out-of-pocket costs for their MyRisk test. Last updated 2024.
  5. American Cancer Society. Lynch Syndrome. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/genetics/family-cancer-syndromes/lynch-syndrome.html. Accessed October 25, 2024.
  6. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Lynch Syndrome. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/lynch-syndrome.
  7. Burt R, Neklason DW (2005). Genetic testing for inherited colon cancer. Gastroenterology 2005 May;128(6):1696-716.
  8. Cleveland Clinic. Familiar Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16993-familial-adenomatous-polyposis-fap.
  9. Cleveland Clinic. MUTYH-Associated Polyposis (MAP). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17254-mutyh-associated-polyposis-map.
  10. American Cancer Society. Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/colon-rectal-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html.
  11. Cleveland Clinic. Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer (HNPCC). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17097-hereditary-non-polyposis-colorectal-cancer-hnpcc.
  12. American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons. Colorectal Cancer Screening and Surveillance: Clinical Guideline and Rationale. https://fascrs.org/healthcare-providers/education/clinical-practice-guidelines/colorectal-cancer-screening-and-surveillance-clini.

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