Hereditary cancer is a genetic condition that can put you at an increased risk of developing certain types of common cancers. It is caused by mutations in specific genes passed from parent to child and can result in patterns of cancer seen within a family. About 5–10% of cancers are linked to inherited genetic mutations. If you have a strong family history of cancer, a family member who had cancer at a younger age, or have multiple different cancers in your family, it could be worth considering testing. If you have cancer and would like to know if there is potentially an underlying genetic cause, this information can then be used to inform other family members. These tests do not diagnose cancer and should always be supported by genetic counselling.
Genetic testing for hereditary cancer is simple to do. Your DNA is collected from a saliva (spit) sample. Specific genes associated with hereditary cancer risk are analysed. If a mutation is found that is linked with an increased risk for developing certain cancers you will be offered genetic counselling to discuss the implications and options for you and your family. Your Doctor may recommend earlier or more frequent screenings, preventive medications, or risk-reducing surgeries. Family members may also consider testing since they may share the mutation.
The genes selected in these hereditary cancer tests have been specifically chosen using scientific and medical literature and have been developed in accordance with national testing guidelines. They are NHS approved. All genetic variants reported will be clinically actionable and allow for informed decisions regarding risk management programmes. Pre & post-test counselling with GCRB registered Genetic Counsellor is provided. The testing service is UKAS accredited to the new ISO15189:2022 standard and all reports are interpreted by HCPC registered Clinical Scientists.
The 35 gene panel is our flagship panel. 50% of people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. Nearly 10% are linked to specific inherited defects in our DNA, which can significantly increase our risk of developing cancer. The test can identify if you are genetically at an increased risk of developing one or more of the following cancers; breast and gynaecological cancers, prostate, bowel (including Lynch syndrome), pancreatic and melanoma (skin) cancer in a single test.
This 16 gene panel tests for gene changes associated with breast, ovarian and other gynaecological cancers. 1 in 7 women are diagnosed with breast cancer and 1 in 50 with ovarian cancer during their lifetime. 23% of breast cancer cases are preventable. Around 70% of women with a faulty BRCA1 gene will develop breast cancer and 36% – 53% will develop ovarian cancer.
This 17 gene panel tests for gene changes associated with colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer affects the large bowel or rectum of 1 in 16 people every year. Around 15% to 30% of colorectal cancers can due to inherited genetic factors. The test includes the genes associated with Lynch syndrome (LS), a condition that can run in families, previously known as hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC).
All 13 genes in this panel are clinically associated with genetic pancreatic cancer. About 10,500 people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer each year, 5-10% of which have an underlying genetic cause. We are 3 to 5 times more likely to develop pancreatic cancer if we have a first degree relative with it. Sadly, it is often diagnosed too late, at an advanced stage, with poor survival rates.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, with more than 52,000 diagnosed every year. The 10 genes in this panel are associated with genetic prostate cancer, including BRCA1 and BRCA2. Of all the major cancers, prostate cancer is the most heritable, with more than 50% having a genetic cause. Men with a close relative with prostate cancer are twice as likely to develop the disease. Those with 2 or more affected relatives may be up to 4 times more likely to be diagnosed.
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer. Around 16,700 people are diagnosed with melanoma every year. 10% of melanoma cases are caused by inherited faulty genes. This test include 7 genes that are associated with genetic melanoma. Risk can be higher if a close relative has had melanoma. Risk is highest if a relative had melanoma younger than 30 years old, or, more than one first degree relative had melanoma.
Understand a little more about the science behind hereditary cancer testing, the genes involved, the clinical implications and recent advances.
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