“If the test shows a change in BRCA1 or BRCA2 that has not been associated with cancer in other people, that person's test result may be interpreted as ambiguous or uncertain. One study found that 10 percent of women who underwent BRCA1 and BRCA2 testing had this type of ambiguous genetic change.”

— National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health

Uncertain: What Does My Result Mean?

Genetic Variant of Uncertain Significance: Overview

If your test result is "Genetic Variant of Uncertain Significance":

• A change was detected in either your BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene but it is not known if this change is linked to cancer
• This change is called a "genetic variant of uncertain significance"
• Ongoing efforts to gather information about genetic variants of uncertain significance, such as the one identified in your test, will continue
• If new information becomes available about your variant, it will be sent to the doctor who ordered your test

More about your test result

Your Cancer Risks

• Your cancer risks should be estimated based on your family and personal history of cancer
• Your doctor can help you understand these risks
• It is still possible that your cancer risks could be above average due to:
• Other non-hereditary factors, such as your environment
• Another hereditary cancer syndrome that this test does not cover
• A mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2 that current technology cannot detect

On to "Uncertain: What should I do now?"