Private Cancer Genetic Testing UK: How to Compare Providers
If you’re thinking about private cancer genetic testing, the biggest panel or cheapest kit isn’t automatically the best choice. What matters is whether the test answers the right question for you, how the result will be explained and what help is available afterwards.
This guide is published by Coyne Medical, which also provides private inherited cancer genetic testing. We think it’s important that you can compare providers using clear, practical questions rather than marketing claims.
What should you compare first?
Before comparing prices, ask what you’re trying to find out. Is there a known gene change in the family? Has someone had cancer? Or are you worried because of your family history? The right starting point can be different in each case, and sometimes testing an affected relative first is more useful.
BRCA-only testing versus multigene panels
A BRCA test looks at BRCA1 and BRCA2. Broader panels may also examine PALB2, ATM, CHEK2 and other genes. More genes aren’t always better: wider tests can uncover uncertain findings that don’t clearly change what you should do next.
Which technical specifications matter?
Ask which genes and types of changes are covered, whether the test checks for larger deletions or duplications, and how results are classified. Check the laboratory’s accreditation and ask for a sample report if you’re unsure. A clear explanation matters more than a long list of technical terms.
Does the price include medical support?
A low headline price may not include the consultation beforehand, an explanation of your result, counselling or help arranging specialist care. Ask for the total cost of the service, not just the price of the kit.
Can a saliva sample be used?
Yes. A properly validated saliva test can be a good way to check for inherited gene changes. The quality of the laboratory and the advice you get afterwards matter more than whether the sample is saliva or blood. Testing a cancer tumour for treatment is different.
What should a positive, negative or uncertain result mean?
A positive result may change screening or prevention recommendations. A negative result doesn’t always rule out inherited risk, especially if no one knows what caused cancer in the family. An uncertain result usually shouldn’t be treated as if it proves a high-risk inherited condition.
Provider comparison checklist
- Genes included
- Relevant genetic techniques – look for NGS or next-generation sequencing
- Laboratory accreditation
- Test eligibility and exclusions
- Clinician review – can you speak to a doctor about your results
- Counselling – even if the result is negative
- Turnaround
- Total quoted price
- Written interpretation
- Plans for positive and uncertain results
- Specialist referrals and letters
- Whether relatives can access targeted testing
Where Coyne Medical fits
Coyne Medical offers doctor-led inherited cancer testing, including at-home saliva collection and consultations before and after the test. We provide this guide as a testing provider ourselves, so we’d encourage you to compare our service against the same questions you ask anyone else.
| Provider | Price | Genes tested | Consultations and follow-up |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coyne Medical | £650 | 36 | GP consultation before testing and scheduled results review for everyone, including negative results. Personalised prevention advice, screening recommendations and NHS or private specialist referrals where appropriate. |
| Jeen Health | £660 | 50 | 45-minute pre-test genetic counselling. Included follow-up consultation when a pathogenic variant is identified. |
| Randox Health | £887 | 113 | Genetic counselling and results consultation. Clinic-based blood sample. |
| Check4Cancer | £945 | 11 | Breast cancer genetic testing with genetic counselling both before and after testing. |
Information checked: October 2026. Prices and services may change. These panels test different combinations of genes and are not directly equivalent. Coyne Medical offers one of the services included in this comparison.
Does Coyne Medical offer more extensive genetic testing?
Yes. Alongside our 36-gene inherited cancer panel, we offer Advanced Genetic Testing through CeGaT, a specialist laboratory in Germany.
This includes a broader 54-gene inherited cancer panel and a separate 21-gene pharmacogenomic panel, which looks at inherited differences that can influence how your body responds to certain medicines.
Our doctors can help you understand which testing option is most appropriate for you, based on your medical history, family history and what you’d like to learn from testing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Test prices vary by provider. Testing at Coyne Medical costs from £650.
Most cancers are not due to an inherited gene mutation. So testing negative never means that you have a zero risk of cancer. At Coyne Medical your doctor can explain any questions about other cancer risk factors. We also always give advice on how to reduce your risk.
No, we are careful in only testing for genes which are clinically actionable. That means if you test positive we have things we can recommend either to reduce your risk of cancer, or special screening for early detection. We don’t test for genes where knowing early only brings worry without benefit. Our home test includes all 36 inherited cancer risk genes currently recommended by the NHS for testing.
Genetic testing is just the beginning
Finding out whether you carry an inherited cancer risk can help you make more informed decisions about your health.
At Coyne Medical, our 36-gene inherited cancer panel includes a doctor consultation before testing and a follow-up appointment for everyone, whatever their result.
We’ll help you understand what your results mean, whether there are ways to reduce your risk, and what screening or specialist referrals might be appropriate.
DR LUCY HOOPER
MB BS BSc MRCGP MA DRCOG DCH
Lucy is a GP and co-founder of Coyne Medical. She graduated with honours from Imperial College London, trained at St Mary’s Hospital, and holds a Master’s in Medical Ethics and Law. Her clinical interests span women’s health, preventive medicine, and genomics, with a particular focus on using advanced biomarkers to build a more complete picture of long-term health.
British Society for Genetic Medicine · European Atherosclerosis Society ·
Independent Doctors Federation
As seen in BBC, The Guardian, Women’s Health, The Times and Tatler
For educational purposes. This article is written by a practising GP and is intended to inform, not replace a consultation with your own doctor. It does not constitute medical advice. A note on clinical guidelines: Coyne Medical is an independent private clinic. Our approach is guided by the best available evidence, tailored to each individual. This may go beyond standard NHS or NICE guidance, which is designed for population-level care and weighted by resource constraints.
Clinical references
NHS Genomic Test Directory: https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/national-genomic-test-directories/
NICE CG164: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg164/chapter/recommendations
Information prepared 28 October 2026. This page is for general information, not personal medical advice or a consultation. Discuss your family history, personal screening and medical decisions with your own doctor or healthcare team. NHS pathways and criteria may change and differ across UK nations.