BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic testing helps identify inherited changes in two important genes linked to breast, ovarian, prostate, and pancreatic cancer. This genetic test can provide valuable insight into your cancer risk and help guide screening, prevention, and treatment decisions. Importantly, testing can identify your eligibility for targeted cancer treatments such as PARP inhibitors. You will learn whether family members may also be at risk. BRCA testing is highly recommended for individuals with a personal or family history of related cancers, as well as those from higher-risk ethnic backgrounds.
BRCA1 and BRCA2 are genes that play a critical role in repairing damaged DNA. When these genes work properly, they help protect against cancer. Some people inherit harmful changes (called pathogenic variants) in BRCA1 or BRCA2. These inherited gene changes reduce the body’s ability to repair DNA, increasing the risk of certain cancers. Individuals who inherit genetic changes in both copies of their BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene develop subtypes of Fanconi anemia, a rare syndrome that is associated with solid tumors and the development of acute myeloid leukemia, often in childhood.
Early knowledge saves lives. BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic testing empowers you to take proactive steps toward prevention, early detection, and personalised cancer care for yourself and your family.
BRCA1 and BRCA2 Gene Testing: ISO15189:2022 Accredited Service
NHS Approved Test
You may benefit from BRCA testing if you: have had breast, ovarian, prostate, or pancreatic cancer. Cancers linked to BRCA gene variants may respond well to targeted therapies, including PARP inhibitors. Knowing your BRCA status can help doctors personalise cancer treatment, and select the most effective therapies. You may have close relatives with these cancers, have multiple family members affected by cancer, are of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry, or just want to better understand your inherited cancer risk. Testing can be performed even if you have never had cancer.
Our BRCA1 and BRCA2 Gene test analyses your DNA, extracted from cells in your saliva. You can take the test from the comfort of your own environment. Your result is emailed to you directly, will tell you whether you carry an inherited BRCA1 or BRCA2 variant, and what that means for your cancer risk. Access to Genetic Counselling is provided both before and after the test. This will help with identification of risk management and screening programmes, and provide you with relevant support networks, thus reducing the risk of developing the associated cancer and aid in early cancer detection.
Order online and we will send you a saliva sampling kit. It contains everything you need including links to a pre-test counselling video and consent form.
Return the sample in the pre-paid Tracked 48 packaging.
DNA extracted, sequenced, analysed and reported within 15-20 working days.
If a variant of concern is detected we will notify you and arrange an appointment with a Genetic Counsellor.
Your kit will include easy to follow instructions for use plus the following items:
A) Saliva collection device
B) Protective Pouch
C) Pack Contents/Instructions For Use card
D) Hereditary Cancer Panel Consent Form
E) Tamperproof sticker
F) Postage prepaid return box
There are two possible outcomes. Positive or Negative. In the case of a positive report it will provide genetic variant interpretation, the implications of the results, and any recommended actions.
If a pathogenic or likely-pathogenic, clinically significant, variant is detected it is important to remember that this does not mean you will definitely get cancer. This is a predictive genetic test associated only with the risk of developing cancer, enabling you to make proactive lifestyle choices if you wish, and gain access to possible screening programmes. It cannot diagnose cancer. For more information on the reporting please see our FAQs. This service is only available to anyone over 18 years of age regardless of personal or familial cancer history.
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