A clinically curated genetic test that looks for inherited gene variants linked to a higher risk of certain cancers. It analyses up to 35 cancer-related genes, including BRCA1 and BRCA2, from a saliva sample collected at home, with results interpreted by registered clinical scientists.
Have symptoms? This test looks at inherited risk. It cannot tell you whether you have cancer now. If you have a new lump, unexplained bleeding or any symptom that worries you, contact your GP.
The panel is most useful if you have a personal or family history that suggests an inherited risk, for example:
If your family history is strong, you may qualify for free testing through NHS clinical genetics. Ask your GP about a referral.
Each gene is checked for variants known to raise cancer risk. Your report says whether a harmful (pathogenic or likely pathogenic) variant was found, and in which gene.
A positive result is not a cancer diagnosis. It means your lifetime risk of certain cancers is raised, and it opens the door to enhanced screening, preventive options and testing for relatives. A negative result is reassuring, but most cancers are not inherited, so normal screening still applies. Sometimes a variant of uncertain significance is found. These are usually not acted on, and the report explains this.
Genetic results affect your whole family, so you should not be left to read one alone. Results are reviewed by a GMC-registered doctor at Northwest Health, a CQC-registered clinic, and genetic counselling is available through Gene Care. If a harmful variant is found, we will help you get a referral to NHS clinical genetics.
| Sample | Saliva, collected at home |
| Genes | Up to 35 cancer-related genes, including BRCA1 and BRCA2 |
| Looks for | Inherited variants linked to higher cancer risk |
| Interpretation | Registered clinical scientists |
| Laboratory | UK laboratory with experience in large NHS screening and research programmes |
| Sample failure rate | Under 1% |
| Results review | GMC-registered doctor, Northwest Health |
| Counselling | Available through Gene Care |
This test assesses inherited risk. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace assessment by a doctor.
No. It means no harmful variant was found in the genes tested. Most cancers are not caused by an inherited variant, so you still need the usual screening and should still see your GP about any symptoms.
If you meet NHS criteria for genetic testing, for example because of a strong family history or a known variant in a relative, ask your GP about a referral to NHS clinical genetics. Testing there is free. This panel is for people who do not meet those criteria, or who prefer not to wait.
Under the UK Code on Genetic Testing and Insurance, insurers cannot ask you to take a predictive genetic test and cannot ask for the results of one, with a single exception: Huntington’s disease, for life cover above £500,000. Check the current Code before you apply for cover.
Your result is reviewed by a doctor and genetic counselling is available, so you understand what it means for you and for your relatives. A harmful variant usually leads to referral to NHS clinical genetics, which can arrange enhanced screening and testing for family members.
You spit into a collection tube at home and post it back. Saliva sampling has a failure rate of under 1% in large screening programmes.
One saliva sample, up to 35 genes, and a doctor to talk it through.
Order the Hereditary Cancer Panel