Hereditary Test
For Cancer
Inherited faulty genes increase your risk
of developing certain kinds of cancer
Hereditary Test for Cancer
Hereditary cancer is defined as cancer caused
by an inherited genetic variant (fault) in a cancer susceptibility gene.
A strong family history of cancer is one indication you may be at risk of carrying a fault in one of these genes.
Other indications include you or a close relative having:
• developed cancer at an early age.
• multiple primary tumours.
• more than one tumour in the same tissue.
• bilateral tumours in paired organs (for example both breasts).
Not everyone who carries a fault in a cancer susceptibility gene has a strong family history.
The Hereditary Cancer Test is available to everyone over the age of 18 regardless of personal or family history.
Why Test?
50% of people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. Whilst the majority are sporadic, 5-10% are linked to a hereditary genetic variant.
The presence of genetic variants in certain genes can increase the risk of different types of cancer.
By understanding your hereditary cancer risk, you can take proactive steps and preventative measures which may reduce your likelihood of developing cancer or allow for earlier detection through access to screening programmes.
As these variants are hereditary it gives the knowledge to inform other family members of their possible cancer risks and they too can make positive lifestyle choices.
How It Works
The Multi-Cancer Panel (31 Genes) has been designed to detect variants in genes most commonly associated with the 6 most prevalent cancers in the UK:
- Breast
- Ovarian
- Colorectal
- Prostate
- Pancreatic
- Melanoma
This is a saliva-based test where the sample is collected using an easy to use Home Test Kit.
All processing, testing, analysis and interpretation is performed in an
ISO 15189:2012 accredited genomics laboratory here in the UK.
Results are interpreted by a team of HCPC-registered clinical scientists.
The Hereditary Cancer Test has been clinically validated by the NHS and is used by them to detect mutations in the BRCA1 & BRCA2 genes.
Panel Design
- Panel designed utilising the NHS Genomics Medicine Service (GMS) Panels resource.
- Further genes identified to be clinically useful have been added to the virtual panels which are not on the GMS panels. These have been identified by literature searches which show a variant will allow access to screening or risk management strategies.
- Ensures all the genes selected on the panel have known associations with cancer and are clinically actionable should a high-risk variant be detected.
- Reporting possibly pathogenic variants in non-actionable genes can increase anxiety and stress in patients.
- The content of the Panel Design will be reviewed in line with GMS reviews. Changes in content may result in updates to interpretation or risks. These will be
communicated.
Multi-Cancer Gene Panel
The Hereditary Cancer Test is designed to detect genetic mutations in genes most commonly associated with the 6 most prevalent cancers in the UK: Breast, Ovarian, Colorectal, Prostate, Pancreatic and Melanoma
APC | ATM | BAP1 | BARD1 | BMPR1A | BRCA1 | BRCA2 |
BRIP1 | CDH1 | CDK4 | CDKN2A | CHEK2 | EPCAM | HOXB13 |
MLH1 | MSH2 | MSH6 | MUTYH | NF1 | NTHL1 | PALB2 |
PMS2 | POLD1 | POLE | PTEN | RAD51C | RAD51D | SMAD4 |
STK11 | TP53 | VHL |
Service Overview
- All testing, analysis and interpretation is performed in a UK, ISO 15189:2012 accredited genomics laboratory.
- Full, clinical report by HCPC registered clinical scientist.
- Panels designed on solid, clinical evidence with clear actionability for the consumer.
- Pre and post-test counselling provided by GCRB registered Genetic Counsellor.
- Fast TAT – result within 10-15 working days of receiving sample at laboratory.
Our Partners
