When genetic testing for breast cancer risk launched in 1996, it only looked at two genes: BRCA1 and BRCA2. Fast forward nearly three decades, and labs can now screen dozens of genes at once — meaning women who tested negative back then may not have the full picture. Experts are urging patients who had early genetic testing to consider getting retested with today's more comprehensive panels.

The push for retesting gained momentum after the US Supreme Court struck down BRCA gene patents in 2013, opening the door for multi-gene panel testing. Since then, the science has advanced dramatically — but many women who tested negative early on are unaware of these developments and may never hear about retesting if they're not regularly seeing a cancer specialist.

Key Takeaways:

• Retesting is especially worth considering if a prior result was negative despite a strong family history of cancer
• Newer panel tests screen several dozen genes simultaneously, far beyond just BRCA1 and BRCA2
• Broader panels can sometimes return a "variant of uncertain significance" — a gene change not yet clearly linked to cancer risk — so patients should be prepared for some uncertainty
• Insurance doesn't always cover retesting, which can be a barrier for many patients

Why it matters: A missed gene mutation can mean missed opportunities for prevention — whether that's medication, increased surveillance, or surgery. As one oncologist noted, by the time patients reach a specialist, it's often too late to focus on prevention. Earlier, more complete genetic information could be life-saving.