Cancer Genetic Testing

Genes are the body’s instructions and determine how the body functions, develops, and is maintained. Some genes prevent cancer from developing, if there is a pathogenic variant (fault) in one of these cancer genes, then the gene doesn’t work correctly and causes an increased risk of cancer. Pathogenic variants in several hundred genes can cause an increased risk to specific types of cancer. We also know that there must be other genes that haven't been identified yet. Genes come in pairs and each gene has a code, which is like a long sentence with thousands of letters. Changes in this code are called variants (sometimes referred to as mutations) and some variants (mutations) stop the gene from working properly and can increase the risk of certain types of cancer.

Testing for cancer

Some pathogenic genetic variants can be inherited from your parents and cause an increased risk of cancer. These can be detected from a simple blood or saliva test which can indicate the likelihood of developing cancer and help inform screening and risk-reducing options.

How does it work?

Your DNA sample will be tested using state of the art Next Generation Sequencing which examines your genetic code in detail, looking for changes in the code as well as large missing or extra parts of the genes.

What will the test show?

Depending on the test performed there are up to three possible results that could result from genetic testing:

1. A pathogenic variant is found that increases your cancer risks
2. No pathogenic variants are found
3. A variant of uncertain clinical significance (VUS) is found

Genetic testing can help you understand the risk of developing cancer or passing it on to your children. It is a personal decision you should make in collaboration with your family, and genetic counsellor. Genetic cancer testing looks at the DNA code for a specific gene or genes. It provides information about the gene(s) which are analysed and is usually performed on a blood or saliva sample.

Cancer has touched nearly all of us in some way or another and one in two Britons born after 1960 will get cancer during their lifetime. Individuals with a personal or family history of cancer often have many questions including: am I at risk, are my children at risk and what can I do to detect or reduce my risk of cancer?

You may be at an increased risk of hereditary cancer if the following is true of your family:

• Several relatives with the same type of cancer.
• Relatives diagnosed at particularly young ages (usually before age 50).
• Several affected generations.
• Individuals who have been diagnosed with multiple cancers.

For individuals who have been diagnosed with cancer, they may ask how genetic testing will influence their surgical treatment, choice of chemotherapy and future cancer prevention.

• Following your genetic counselling consultation, if you decide to have genetic testing, arrangements will be made to collect either a blood or saliva sample. Depending on the genetic cancer test requested, results are usually available in 3-4 weeks.
• When your results are ready, you will have a consultation with the genetic counsellor to discuss your results and options.
• We will provide clear personalised clinical management guidelines and any onward referrals if necessary.
• Advice will also be provided concerning the screening of relatives.
• Unlike other test providers, we offer personalised guidelines and explanation even if the results are negative, as there may still be a significant risk of cancer.
• Our clear and informative management guidelines protect against anyone mistakenly believing they have a cancer-causing pathogenic variant (when in reality it may be a variant) which could lead to unnecessary surgery or treatment. Equally, we ensure that variants that may be clinically relevant are not ignored.

Before your phone consultation with a genetic counsellor you will be asked to complete an online questionnaire about your family history.

During your one-hour phone consultation, the genetic counsellor will take a detailed family and medical history and will provide you with a personalised cancer risk assessment (your risk assessment will include your personal cancer risk and the risk the cancer in your family is inherited).

The genetic counsellor will cover the following in your one-hour phone consultation:

• Ask you about your medical and family history of cancer.
• Explain how hereditary cancers are passed on in a family.
• Determine if you/your family members are at risk for a hereditary cancer syndrome.
• Give you information about inherited cancer syndromes.
• Discuss cancer screening.
• Provide information about genetic testing.
• Allow you to make an informed decision on whether genetic testing is right for you.

If genetic cancer testing is appropriate, the genetic counsellor will explain its benefits and limitations. Cancer screening, such as mammograms or colonoscopies and risk reducing options may also be recommended.

Our unique pre-test counselling will help prepare you psychologically for testing and ensure you are aware of the implications of the results.

• A one-hour genetic consultation by phone can be booked by calling our dedicated customer care team , our call centre hours are from 08.00 -18.00, Monday to Friday.

Please click on the 'Gene Test' name for more detailed information. 

Self-pay patients 

For self-pay patients, the cost of the initial genetic consultation is £150 which would be included in the total cost of genetic testing, should you decide to proceed.

Insured patients 

If you have recently been diagnosed with cancer, your insurance company should fully reimburse the cost of genetic testing and genetic counseling, if you meet certain criteria. Once you have contacted your insurer, if you need a letter of medical necessity, then we can provide you with one.