Advocating for HRD Testing With Your Healthcare Team

Homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) affects how cancer cells grow, die, and respond to different treatments. Knowing your tumor’s HRD status—either positive or negative—may help inform a treatment plan for your ovarian cancer. Talk to your healthcare team about ordering a test.

Conversation Starters

The first step is starting the conversation with your healthcare team. Here are some ways to bring up the topic:

  • I’ve heard that HRD testing is recommended for people with ovarian cancer to help inform treatment decisions. Can I get an HRD test?
  • I’d like to get an HRD test and learn my tumor’s HRD status. I know this may help us decide on the most appropriate treatment plan.
  • I’m interested in learning more about HRD testing. I heard getting an HRD test can help inform my treatment plan.

Questions for Discussion

Not a real healthcare professional or patient

Your healthcare team can also help answer your questions about HRD testing. Here are some questions you might want to ask:

  • Can you explain how HRD testing may help inform my treatment plan?
  • What can I expect from the procedure?
  • Does it hurt?
  • Is any special preparation required?
  • Are there any risks involved in HRD testing?
  • Will I be able to drive after the test?
  • How long will it take to get results?
  • Will my HRD test results also show if I have BRCA mutations?
  • What happens after we get the results?
  • Can your office help me understand insurance coverage for HRD testing?