Single Site Genetic Testing

If genetic testing has already been carried out in your family and if a gene variant has been identified, you can be tested to see whether or not you have inherited the familial gene variant.

We provide Single Site mutation testing but due to the cost of testing, we actually run a full panel that include all the genes listed in the NHS National Genomic Test Directory plus others, which might help you and your family to understand and manage your personal cancer risks appropriately

  • National network of registered genetic counsellors
  • Consultations by telephone or face-to-face
  • Genetic counselling available before and after all genetic tests
  • Genetic testing may influence your surgical treatment, choice of chemotherapy and future cancer prevention
  • Expert counsellors explain the testing process and provide you with all the information to help you make the choice that's right for you

 

630

* includes a one-hour phone consultation with a genetic counsellor.

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Why should I have genetic testing?

Genetic testing offers you a safe and accurate way of finding out if you are at risk of cancer. We offer a personalised service with pre and post test counselling ensuring you are fully supported every step of the way through the process of genetic testing.

Why should I have genetic testing?
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What will this test tell me?

Single site or ‘predictive’ genetic testing gives relatives a definitive answer. Either:

1. You have not inherited the familial gene variant.  In this situation, your risk of developing cancer will be similar to that in the general population and you cannot have passed the gene variant onto any of your children.

2. You have inherited the familial gene variant. Your cancer risks will depend on your age, gender and on which gene is involved.  In this situation, increased cancer screening and/or risk-reducing surgery will be discussed with you and predictive genetic testing can then be offered to your children if appropriate.

Who can have predictive genetic testing?
  • Any blood relative of someone with a known genetic variant can have predictive testing.
  • The brothers, sisters, parents, and children of someone with a familial cancer gene variant will each have a 50% chance of also carrying the familial gene variant.
  • Aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews will have 25% chance and cousins will have a 12.5% chance. 
  • Cancer gene variants do not skip a generation, so if a parent has a normal result, their children do not need to be tested. 
  • It is important to remember that, not everyone with a cancer gene variant will develop cancer and therefore, it may appear that the gene variant has skipped a generation in some families.
  • In order to offer you predictive genetic testing, we will need a copy of the genetic testing report from a relative who has had genetic testing and carries the familial gene variant.
  • It is helpful if this report can be provided before your initial consultation, but if this is not possible, we can request the report directly from another Genetics Service after your appointment.
What is the process of predictive genetic testing?

During your initial consultation, one of our Genetic Counsellors will take your family history and explain the implications of the gene variant identified in your family.

Your Genetic Counsellor will explain what the gene variant is, how it is inherited, the associated cancer risks, and the options that would be available to you if you have inherited the familial gene variant, including additional cancer screening and/or risk-reducing surgery.

If you decide to proceed with genetic testing you will be sent a test kit, to provide a saliva sample for genetic testing.  

The result will take around three weeks and another consultation will be arranged for you to discuss your result, when it is available.

Professor Andrew Beggs, Clinical Advisor for Bowel Cancer & Genetics

If you have had a type of cancer that could be caused by a genetic predisposition, or if you have a strong family history of cancer, genetic testing may be useful for you and your family.  If a gene variant is identified, this may affect your treatment options and provide information, to allow you to manage any future cancer risks accordingly. If the results are normal, this would provide reassurance for you and your family.

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