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Review some of FORCE's current legislative and regulatory policy priorities that impact the hereditary cancer community.
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Policy Archive

FDA Approves New Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Test for 3 BRCA Mutations

Genetic Counseling & Testing

On March 6, 2018, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced approval of a new direct-to-consumer genetic test for three BRCA mutations most commonly found in people with Ashkenazi Jewish (Eastern European) ancestry, often referred to as founder mutations.

With thousands of known BRCA mutations, 23andMe's "Personal Genome Service Genetic Health Risk (GHR) Report for BRCA1/BRCA2 (Selected Variants)" provides consumers with an extremely limited snapshot of potential hereditary cancer risk. 

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News Briefs

02/25/2025 - Called on Congress to prioritize robust funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the FY2025 appropriations bill and to preserve protections against reimbursement cuts for NIH grantee Facilities and Administrative costs. 

02/24/2025 - Joined hundreds of orgs in thanking lawmakers for advancing the availability of healthcare through telehealth and asking congressional leaders to establish permanent or long-term telehealth access.

01/30/2025 - Urged the President to recognize March 2025 as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and to light the White House blue to honor those we have lost and those fighting this disease.

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Related Resources
Related Resources

  • Visit the How to Get Testing section of our website for criteria for genetic testing and information on finding a cancer genetics expert.
  • FORCE's toll-free helpline: 866-288-RISK, ext. 704, can connect you with a volunteer board-certified genetic counselor who can answer general questions about genetic testing and hereditary cancer and help you find a genetic counselor near you. 
  • FORCE Peer Navigator Program will match you with a volunteer who has undergone genetic counseling and can help you navigate resources to find a genetic counselor near you.