Mercy Offers New Hereditary Testing for High-Risk Patients

ST. LOUIS, Oct. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Mercy's Center for Precision Medicine is launching a new screening tool to identify those at high risk for cancer who may benefit from germline or hereditary DNA testing. Working with genetic testing company Tempus, Mercy is one of the first health systems in the country to launch the screening program widely and proactively across the communities it serves.

"Patients often wonder if there was anything they could have done to prevent their cancers, but many are the result of a genetic mutation passed down through a family," said Dr. Jay Carlson, Mercy medical director for oncology and Mercy Research clinical chair. "Cancer patients are offered genetic testing for treatment purposes but also to see if they have mutations that could have been passed down to their own children. Mercy is now offering a genetic risk tool more broadly to help patients better understand potential inherited cancer risks for themselves and their families."

There are two types of mutations associated with cancer, and Mercy's program focuses on hereditary (or germline) DNA mutations. These can be found in all cells of the body and may increase the risk of developing various health conditions, especially hereditary cancers. Breast, ovarian, prostate and pancreatic cancers are most associated with a hereditary risk.

While anyone can take the online risk assessment, Mercy's proactive approach to germline mutation screening sends the online survey to many patients prior to their routine breast cancer screening appointment. The survey assesses family and personal medical history, determining risk of genetic DNA mutations. Those who are identified as high risk are contacted and provided more information and offered a comprehensive germline blood test covering 77 genes. Once a patient has decided to undergo the test, a blood draw is all that is required.

In addition to identifying patients for germline testing, the survey also identifies patients who may benefit from a more targeted breast cancer screening program.

"Approximately 10% of surveyed patients meet high-risk criteria, meaning they qualify for additional annual breast MRI screenings alongside mammograms," Dr. Carlson said. "In addition, for those with a concerning genetic mutation, we're able to facilitate broader family risk assessments by offering free testing for 90 days out to third degree relatives."

Because of the way these genes are transmitted, relatives have up to a 50% chance of inheriting the same problematic gene. If a patient has a mutation, many interventions are available to reduce the risk for cancer associated with the gene.

Based on a patient's results, a health care provider may recommend:

• Increased cancer screening
• Risk reduction measures to help reduce likelihood a cancer develops
• Specific treatments/medications to help treat or prevent cancer
• Testing for family members

The blood test is covered by some insurance companies, though for those whose insurers do not, Tempus provides financial assistance.

About Mercy
Mercy , one of the 15 largest U.S. health systems and named the top large system in the U.S. for excellent patient experience by NRC Health, serves millions annually with nationally recognized care and one of the nation's largest and highest performing Accountable Care Organizations in quality and cost. Mercy is a highly integrated, multi-state health care system including 55 acute care and specialty (heart, children's, orthopedic and rehab) hospitals, convenient and urgent care locations, imaging centers and pharmacies. Mercy has over 1,000 physician practice locations and outpatient facilities, more than 5,000 physicians and advanced practitioners and more than 50,000 caregivers serving patients and families across Arkansas, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. Mercy also has clinics, outpatient services and outreach ministries in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. In fiscal year 2025 alone, Mercy provided more than half a billion dollars of free care and other community benefits, including traditional charity care and unreimbursed Medicaid.

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SOURCE Mercy