Cancer screening is important because early detection helps in improving prognosis for the disease. With gene mutations accounting for up to 15 percent of breast and ovarian cancers, Color Genomics focused on genetic screening and releasing a breast cancer test that is affordable and accessible.
Costing $249, a drastically smaller amount compared with the several thousands that typical gene tests are asking for right now, the testing kit released by Color Genomics simply needs a saliva sample. The company chose to require samples of the material because saliva is easier to collect than blood, making it more convenient for a patient to use the Color Test.
By coming up with a more affordable test, Color is ensuring access is democratized, pointing out that every woman has to have the opportunity and choice to get tested to identify genetic risks associated with breast as well as ovarian cancer.
"Knowledge of a woman's genetic risk empowers her to work with her physician to develop a personalized plan based on that information," explained the Color team.
Although only one-tenth of the usual price of similar services, the Color Test screens for 19 genes, including the BRCA1 and BRCA2, all of which impact risks for breast and ovarian cancer. All tests are to be ordered by doctors though, either assigned by Color to review a woman's information or a woman's own physician.
Should women have questions about the results of their test, they can take advantage of board-certified genetic counselors employed by Color. These counselors will explain as well as discuss the results of a Color Test, providing women who undergo screening with the support they need.
Color also launched the Every Woman Program, partnering with the University of California, San Francisco and the University of Washington to offer screening opportunities to every woman regardless of their financial situation. Women buying Color Tests may also help other women get access to testing kits by donating money. Donations will be pooled and will be used to provide other women who can't afford Color Tests access to the cancer screening they need.
While women are the primary targets, the Color Test may also be taken by men, as it is possible for them to carry a mutation in one of the 19 genes being screened. This will clue men in on not just the kind of risk they have themselves but the level of risk as well that their families might potentially have, given the results of their test.
