Predictive genetic test for cancer risk genes

Paying for private testing

If there isn't a strong family history of cancer in your family and the faulty gene hasn't otherwise been identified in any of your relatives, you won't be eligible for the NHS genetic test.

You'll have to pay for it privately if you still wish to have the test. Consider this carefully, because:

if you don't have any family history of cancer, it's unlikely you have one of thefaulty genes
the tests can be expensive, potentially costing up to 500-2,000 or more
there's no guarantee they will predict whether you'll develop cancer
you may not beoffered genetic counselling to help you make a decision and support you once you get your results

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018

Articles for predictive genetic test for cancer risk genes

Introduction

Cancer is not usually inherited, but some types mainly breast, ovarian, colorectal and prostate cancer can be strongly influenced by genes and can run in families.

Speak to your GP if cancer runs in your family and you're worried you may get it too.Theymay refer you to alocal geneticsservice foran NHSgenetictest, which will tell you if you have inheritedone of t

Pros and cons of having a predictive genetic test

Not everyone who is eligible for the NHS test will want to have it. It's a personal decision, and should only be made after you've had genetic counselling sessions and talkedthrough what having the t

Whattesting involves

There are usually two steps to genetic testing: Arelative with cancer has a diagnostic blood test to see if they have a cancer risk gene (this normally must happen before any healthy relatives a

Whata positive result means

If your predictive genetic test result is positive, it means you have a faulty gene that raises your risk of developing cancer. It doesn'tmean you are guaranteed to get canceryour genes only partly i

Managing your risk

If your test result is positive, you have arange of options to manage your risk. Risk-reducing surgery is not the only option. Ultimately, there's no right or wrong answer about what you should do it

Tellingclose relatives

Your genetics unit will not approach your relatives about your result it will usually be up to you to tell your family. You may be given a standard letter to share with relatives, which explains your

Planning a family

Cancer risk genes can be passed on to any children you have. If your predictive genetic test is positive and you want to start a family, you have several options. You can: Have your children withou

Paying for private testing

If there isn't a strong family history of cancer in your family and the faulty gene hasn't otherwise been identified in any of your relatives, you won't be eligible for the NHS genetic test. You'll h

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