Mayo Clinic's approach
Mayo Clinic offers a coordinated approach to BRCA gene testing and hereditary cancer risk. Your care may involve genetic counselors, medical geneticists, cancer specialists, surgeons, radiologists and other experts as needed. The goal is to help you understand whether genetic testing is right for you, what your results mean and what next steps may make sense for you and your family.
Genetic testing is most useful when it is paired with expert interpretation and guidance. At Mayo Clinic, genetics professionals review your personal and family history, explain testing options, and help choose a test that fits your situation. If testing finds a gene change that increases cancer risk, your team helps you understand what that result may mean for next steps. These may include individualized screening, prevention and specialty care plans. Your team also can help you understand what your results may mean for family members who share inherited risks across generations.
Collaboration
Hereditary cancer risk can affect many parts of care. Mayo Clinic specialists work together to build a plan based on your genetic findings, cancer history, family history, overall health and goals. Depending on your needs, your care may include high-risk screening, breast care, gynecologic care, cancer prevention, surgery, medical oncology and treatment planning if you already have cancer.
This team approach can be especially helpful if your results are complex, are uncertain or affect more than one family member. Your care team can help you sort through your options and decide what to do next.
Expertise
Mayo Clinic has expertise in hereditary cancer syndromes, including those linked to BRCA1, BRCA2 and beyond. When appropriate, multigene panel testing may be considered to look for other inherited gene changes linked to breast, ovarian and other cancers.
Mayo Clinic's Familial Cancer Program helps identify people at higher risk of cancer due to hereditary factors. Education and counseling about cancer risk, screening, prevention and ways to lower risk are key parts of the program. Genetic testing is available when appropriate. People at increased risk also may have access to specialty care, including high-risk breast care, gynecologic oncology, breast surgery, plastic surgery, medical oncology and other services as needed.
Technology
Mayo Clinic provides access to genomic testing techniques when medically appropriate.
Genetics professionals help decide which test is most likely to answer the question at hand. This may include testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 or a broader multigene panel depending on your personal and family history.
Research
Mayo Clinic researchers study genetic testing, hereditary cancer risk, cancer prevention, cancer screening and cancer treatment. People who receive care at Mayo Clinic may have access to clinical trials when appropriate.
Expertise and rankings
Nationally recognized expertise
Mayo Clinic has been recognized as a top cancer hospital by U.S. News & World Report since it began publishing rankings in 1990. Most recently, Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, and Mayo Clinic in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, have been recognized among the top Cancer hospitals in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
Locations, travel and lodging
Mayo Clinic has major campuses in Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona; Jacksonville, Florida; and Rochester, Minnesota. The Mayo Clinic Health System has dozens of locations in several states.
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Costs and insurance
Mayo Clinic works with hundreds of insurance companies and is an in-network provider for millions of people.
In most cases, Mayo Clinic doesn't require a physician referral. Some insurers require referrals or may have additional requirements for certain medical care. All appointments are prioritized on the basis of medical need.
Learn more about appointments at Mayo Clinic.
Please contact your insurance company to verify medical coverage and to obtain any needed authorization prior to your visit. Often, your insurer's customer service number is printed on the back of your insurance card.
Aug. 05, 2026