Aim: To explore the patient-reported utility of learning incidental results (IR) from genomic sequencing (GS) in a cancer population. Methods: A qualitative study was performed using semi-structured interviews with participants who had undergone genomic sequencing and were returned incidental results. Transcripts were thematically analyzed using constant comparison. Results: Twenty-three participants were interviewed (21/23 women) with an average age of 57. At the heart of returning incidental results was the empowerment of participants. Empowerment was experienced in three ways: clinical utility, back pocket information, and satisfying a thirst for knowledge and learning. Clinical utility informed medical management, “back pocket information” provided greater agency in participants’ future health and the process of learning IR created a sense of security toward participant well-being. The degree of empowerment experienced was influenced by participants’ evaluation of relevancy and perceived risk of their incidental results. Conclusions: Learning incidental results empowered patients by informing medical management, increasing agency in future health, and creating a sense of security toward well-being. These findings could inform future policies surrounding the return of incidental genomic results. / 2026-10-31T00:00:00Z