Empower Hereditary Cancer Test, from Natera, is a genetic test that analyzes your DNA for inherited genetic changes that may increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer.
The test can be used both by individuals who want to assess their risk due to their family history and by individuals who have already been diagnosed with cancer and may benefit from genetic information for disease management.
Approximately 5–10% of all cancers are associated with inherited genetic changes. These changes can be passed from one generation to another and may affect the risk of developing certain types of cancer.
Identifying a genetic predisposition can help with:
Empower™ analyzes genes associated with an increased risk of hereditary cancers.
Natera offers several panel options, including focused and broader panels. There are 5 panel options with up to 81 genes, while customizable panels may include more than 190 genes.
Important genes included in Empower™ panels include:
BRCA1, BRCA2, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, EPCAM, PALB2, ATM, CHEK2, TP53, PTEN, STK11, RAD51C, RAD51D, APC, MUTYH and many others, depending on the selected panel.
Empower™ panels include genes associated with a broad range of hereditary cancers, including:
The specific panel and cancers assessed depend on the selected genetic panel. Empower™ includes genes associated with 12+ types of hereditary cancer.
Genetic testing may be particularly important when there is:
Natera particularly highlights a personal or family history of cancer before the age of 50, ovarian, pancreatic, colorectal, or male breast cancer, and multiple cases of cancer on the same side of the family as situations in which testing should be considered.
How is the test performed? The test is performed using a blood sample
What results can Empower™ provide?
A pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant associated with an increased risk of one or more types of cancer is identified.
A positive result does not mean that the person has cancer or that they will definitely develop cancer.
It indicates that there is a genetic predisposition that may require a more appropriate monitoring and prevention plan.
No known variant that increases the risk of cancer is identified in the genes analyzed.
However, a negative result does not eliminate the overall risk of cancer. Personal and family history remains important in determining the need for further screening and monitoring.
In some cases, a genetic change is identified, but there is currently insufficient information to determine whether it is associated with an increased risk of cancer.
A VUS should not be treated as a positive result. The classification of the variant may change in the future as new scientific data become available.
No. The test can also be used to assess inherited cancer risk in individuals without a cancer diagnosis, particularly when there is a family history or other factors suggesting a genetic predisposition.
A person may carry an inherited genetic change without currently having cancer. Identifying it can help with planning appropriate monitoring and preventive measures.
No. Empower™ assesses inherited genetic predisposition and does not replace diagnostic examinations for cancer.
No. A positive result indicates an increased risk of certain cancers, not a certainty that cancer will develop.
Yes. Empower™ can be performed using a blood or saliva sample.
Depending on the panel, Empower™ offers options with up to 81 genes, while customizable panels may include 190+ genes.
Yes. BRCA1 and BRCA2 are among the key genes included in Empower™ panels.
Yes. The relevant panels include the MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, and EPCAM genes, which are associated with Lynch syndrome.
A VUS means that the genetic change cannot currently be classified as causing an increased risk. It should not be used as a positive result for medical decision-making.
Yes. If an inherited variant is identified, biological family members may be advised to undergo further testing.
Natera states that results are typically available in approximately 2 weeks.
Yes. The test results should be interpreted in the context of personal history, family history, and other clinical information.
