The Value of Knowledge and the Cost of False Reassurance: Understanding the Updates to 23andMe’s BRCA Genetic Testing
The recent update to 23andMe’s DTC test in September 2023 expanded their BRCA1/2 analysis to detect a total of 44 specific variants, including those evaluated previously1. This certainly will increase the detection of genetic variants in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes for individuals beyond those who are of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry. However, given that there are thousands of genetic variants in these two genes that are associated with hereditary cancer risks, it is important to recognize that the updated 23andMe test will still miss the majority of people with BRCA-associated hereditary cancer risks.