Novartis is here to help you understand more about your melanoma.
What Is Melanoma?
Know about melanoma
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that begins within cells called melanocytes. These cells give our skin its color. When melanoma spreads from one part of the body to another, it’s called metastatic melanoma.
What Is the BRAF Mutation?
Know about BRAF
Testing positive for a BRAF mutation means you have a specific mutation (change) in the BRAF gene that may be found in melanoma. This mutation means you may have an aggressive form of melanoma that may be associated with worse outcomes. Knowing your BRAF mutation status can help your health care provider choose the best melanoma treatment option for you.
Why Test for BRAF?
Know why you should test for BRAF
Understanding your BRAF mutation status can be a helpful tool as your health care provider recommends a treatment plan. When your health care provider knows if you are BRAF+, he or she will have a better understanding of all of the available treatment options. This is especially true if your melanoma is more advanced and has spread to other parts of your body.
The Know Now BRAF Testing Program
Know about BRAF testing
Requesting a test for BRAF is easy—just ask your health care provider.
Novartis offers the Know Now BRAF Testing Program at no cost to you—whether or not you are BRAF+. After taking a tissue sample, your health care provider will complete and send the BRAF Test Request Form to Quest. Ask your health care provider to request a test—he or she can download the BRAF Test Request Form or get answers to any questions by visiting KnowNowBRAF.com/hcp or calling 1-866-226-8046.
Ask your health care provider for BRAF mutation testing and take charge of your melanoma treatment
Patient Resources
Download this discussion guide to bring to your next health care provider's appointment. The guide has useful information about the BRAF mutation and directions for your health care provider on how to order BRAF testing.
