Cancer Genetic Testing
There are several types of genetic testing for cancer. Please use the links below for more information on the cancer you are concerned about.
BRCA1/BRCA2 Genetic Testing
Bowel Cancer
Bowel cancer (also known as colorectal cancer) is the fourth most common cancer in the UK. Most bowel cancer occurs by chance; however, 2–5% of bowel cancer is inherited and up to 30% is familial. In some families, stomach, womb (endometrial or uterine) and ovarian cancer can be related to bowel cancer.
Who is at risk of hereditary bowel cancer?
Individuals with hereditary bowel cancer generally show one or more of the following:
- Bowel cancer diagnosed before the age of 50
- Bowel cancer that has screened positive for Lynch syndrome on tumour testing
- Several relatives with bowel cancer
- Relatives with bowel cancer and related cancers (such as womb or ovarian cancer)
- Multiple bowel polyps*
* Cancer usually starts as a benign growth known as a polyp. Not all polyps will become cancerous, and they can often be removed during screening (colonoscopy).
Conditions causing inherited bowel cancer:
- Lynch Syndrome
- FAP / AFAP
- MUTYH-Associated Polyposis (MAP)
- NTH1 Associated Polyposis
- Juvenile Polyposis Syndrome (JPS)
- Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome (PJS)
- PHTS / Cowden syndrome
- HMPS & Li Fraumeni Syndrome
Lynch Syndrome
Cost: £359
Pan Cancer (General Hereditary Cancer)
What is hereditary cancer?
Unfortunately, cancer is very common, with 1 in 2 people being diagnosed at some point in their lives. Most cancer occurs by chance; however, approximately 5–10% of all cancers are inherited.
How do I know what cancer screening I need?
A genetic counsellor can analyse your medical and family history to determine whether you need increased cancer screening and, if so, how frequently. They can also discuss risk-reducing options such as preventative medication in some families.
What genetic testing is available?
A pan-cancer panel looks at multiple genes simultaneously to identify pathogenic variants that significantly increase the lifetime risk of cancer. We offer comprehensive screening options, including a 31-gene panel which assesses the risk of multiple cancers, as well as the cancer genetic risk score.
Identifying a genetic risk allows for proactive screening options such as early mammography, colonoscopy, or MRI.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the fifth most common cancer in the UK and the most common cancer among men. The majority of prostate cancer occurs by chance; however, approximately 5–9% of prostate cancer is estimated to be hereditary. Prostate cancer is very common in older men, is frequently slow growing, and even if untreated would often not shorten a man's life. However, in some men prostate cancer is more aggressive, develops faster, and is more likely to be hereditary.
How do I know if I am at risk?
Men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer and meet one or more of the following criteria have an increased risk of hereditary cancer:
- Early-onset prostate cancer (diagnosis before age 50)
- Metastatic prostate cancer (cancer that has spread beyond the prostate)
- Several relatives diagnosed with prostate, breast, or ovarian cancer
- Several relatives with colorectal or womb cancer
- Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry
It is important to be aware that hereditary prostate cancer can be present on either the maternal (mother's) or paternal (father's) side of the family.
What is the genetic testing for prostate cancer?
Genetic testing for prostate cancer currently includes multiple genes which cause an increased risk of prostate cancer as well as other cancers.
Cancer Risk Score
Cancer is frequently seen in the older population and typically occurs by chance. However, cancer can also be hereditary in some families, and specific risk factors can cause an increased risk.
The cancer risk scores analyse thousands of tiny genetic variations (SNPs) to generate a polygenic risk score that estimates your overall risk of developing specific cancers:
- Women: Breast, Colorectal, and Melanoma risk
- Men: Prostate, Colorectal, and Melanoma risk
The cancer risk score is appropriate for individuals over the age of 18 with no significant family history of cancer, or those who have already had traditional genetic testing. Typically, people tend to find this test most useful when aged over 40.
The results provide an estimated lifetime risk and a 10-year risk, helping guide personalised surveillance plans.