This information is designed for individuals who have been tested for a hereditary cancer syndrome. It will help you understand the results of your test and is best reviewed with your healthcare provider. Please choose the link below that matches your test result by looking at the patient copy of your test result or contacting the healthcare provider who ordered your test.
The Genetic Test You Received
- Singe Site COLARIS®: Mutation-specific analysis for individuals with a known MLH1, MSH2, or MSH6 gene mutation in the family.
Your Test Result
- Single Site - No Mutation Detected
Overview of Your Test Result
Mutations in MLH1, MSH2, and MSH6 cause most cases of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), a syndrome that involves various cancers, primarily colon/rectal (colorectal) and endometrial (uterine).
- One or more of your blood relatives was previously tested with COLARIS® and a mutation was identified in MLH1, MSH2, or MSH6.
- You were tested for this specific mutation and no mutation was detected.
- You did not inherit the MLH1, MSH2, or MSH6 mutation that runs in your family.
- You do not have HNPCC syndrome.*
* If you have a history of cancer on both your mother’s and father’s side of the family, you should talk to your healthcare provider about whether any additional genetic testing is appropriate.
Your Cancer Risks
Everyone has some chance of developing cancer. While your Single Site COLARIS® test result indicates that you do not have HNPCC syndrome, you still have the general population risk to develop any type of cancer, including colorectal. Your cancer risk may still be above average, due to other genetic, environmental, or lifestyle risk factors that may be present in your family. Talk to your healthcare provider about your specific risk profile.
| Cancer risks for the general population by age 70 | General Population |
| Colorectal cancer | 2% |
| Endometrial (uterine) cancer | 1.5% |
| Ovarian cancer | 1% |
| Stomach cancer | <1% |
Managing Your Risks
Based on the American Cancer Society screening guidelines for colorectal cancer in individuals at average risk, you should begin one of the following at age 50:
- Yearly fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) or fecal immunohistochemical test (FIT), OR
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years, OR
- Yearly FOBT or FIT plus flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years, OR
- Double contrast barium enema (DCBE) every 5 years, OR
- Colonoscopy every 10 years
There are no general population screening guidelines for endometrial, ovarian, stomach, or other HNPCC-related cancers. Talk to your healthcare provider about the cancer screening options available to you.
It’s a Family Affair
- MLH1, MSH2, and MSH6 mutations are passed on in a family.
- You had this genetic test because someone in your family had an identified MLH1, MSH2,
or MSH6 mutation.
- You did not inherit the mutation that runs in your family.
- Since you did not inherit the mutation, you cannot pass it on to your children and they do not need to be tested for the mutation.
- There may be other relatives in your family still at risk to have inherited the mutation who may want to consider Single Site COLARIS® testing.
- Your healthcare provider can assist you in determining which of your relatives should consider genetic testing.
If you need a copy of your genetic test result, please contact the healthcare provider who ordered your test.
Next Steps
Please work with your healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate next steps for you.
- Obtain a copy of your test result.
- Schedule consultations with appropriate healthcare providers.
- Create a plan for medical management.
- Consider sharing your genetic test result with your relatives.
Additional Resources
Myriad has resources available to help you with your genetic test result.
- Contact Myriad’s Medical Services Department at 1-800-469-7423 for:
- Answers to questions about your test result.
- Information about genetic testing for your relatives.
- Online tools:
- List of Support Organizations
- A healthcare provider who can offer genetic testing to relatives in any state can be found at the Find a Doctor page.
- A sample letter that can be sent to relatives who may need genetic testing: letterCO4SingleSite (Word)
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