Genetic Screening

Our genetic screening tests over 70 gene variants that can predispose to cancer and tell us about how your body reacts to drugs. Importantly, all of these gene variants can be acted upon to help prevent or reduce the risk of the condition. Or for the pharmacogenetic genes can help guide drug treatment either now or in the future. 

Providing a DNA sample is very simple. 

The sample depends on the test chosen.

51 cancer gene screening PLUS pharmacogenomics uses a normal blood sample.

31 cancer gene screening uses a saliva test. Taken in clinic you simply spit into the tube.

We work with two specialist genetic testing laboratories who both registered and highly respected for specialist genetic testing. The laboratories uses the highest standard of genetic testing called NGS (next generation sequencing). This is the most accurate method. Some online DNA testing and family history companies use other methods such ‘genotyping’; this leads to more common false positive and negative results. They can be fun and quick to use but are not meant to guide medical decisions or healthcare.

We expect your laboratory report to be available within 6 weeks of your appointment. This timeframe ensures the highest accuracy and reliability from our trusted labs. We will contact you when it is available to arrange a follow-up consultation. 

The Association of British insurers and the British Medical Association have agreed on a set of questions that insurers can ask your GP when you apply for life insurance. Your GP will be asked about any medical condition that you have suffered in the past or are currently experiencing that may reduce your life expectancy. They are also allowed to ask you and your GP about your family history. They are not allowed to ask or request the results of any predictive genetic testing. 

Currently, the only exception in the UK to this is if you are applying for insurance with the only exception being if you are applying for life insurance over £500,000 and you have had a predictive genetic test for Huntington’s Disease. Only in this circumstance do you need to tell the insurance company the result of the test, if they ask.

If you have a strong family history of breast cancer for example and you test negative for genes related to this it may be in your interest to disclose this and you may choose to do this. You can read more about the code of the Association of British Insurers here.

There are two possible outcomes from our cancer gene testing:

Negative and positive.

If the result is negative it means that the test did not pick up any genes that increase the risk of disease. It doesn’t mean that you will never develop one of the conditions tested for, as there are many other factors aside from genes that can contribute to developing a disease. As we learn more about genetics and disease, it may be that your test results in the future will be updated to reflect new medical information. If this is the case, we will inform you immediately. 

A positive result means you have discovered a gene variant that increases the risk of you developing a certain cancer. You will then be able to work with your doctor to determine what the next steps are for you. This may include options to prevent disease or increased surveillance to detect the disease at an earlier, more treatable stage. 

Your pharmacogenetic testing will likely show several different variants, in your report there will be detailed recommendations on medications. This might include advice to reduce doses or consider alternative medicines for common drugs such as cholesterol medicines, pain killers and antidepressants.

We ensure the highest level of security for your personal information. Full details of our privacy policy are available here. We use our patient portal to securely share copies of your results by email. We can use an alternative method of communication if you wish – just let us know.

The genetic testing laboratory receive your personal information and abide by the extremely strict rules on privacy of sensitive data. You must consent to their receiving and sharing your personal information and data. You may choose to opt-out of anonymised research studies.

We only use medical-grade genetic testing. We use a leading specialist laboratories, who are fully accredited to ISO 15189 and 17025.

Our genetic testing uses both full-gene sequencing and deletion/duplication analysis using next-generation sequencing technology (NGS). This is the most accurate method. Some online DNA testing and family history companies use other methods such ‘genotyping’; this leads to more common false positive and negative results. They can be fun and quick to use but are not meant to guide medical decisions or healthcare.

51 cancer gene screening PLUS pharmacogenomics  – £1300

31 cancer gene screening – £900

Fees include pre test consultation with the doctor, review of medical and family history, and sample taking. Laboratory analysis. Full report and advice on further screening or risk reduction for any positive cancer risk genes.  Detailed report on your pharmacogenetics including advice on medications, dosages, side effects and alternatives.

Follow-up consultation with the doctor at our clinic to discuss your results. Including advice on further referrals and any other health screening indications.

Yes we believe genetic screening is a really powerful addition to our health screening. Check out our packages here.

Tumour genes include those related to:

Breast cancer

Ovarian cancer

Uterine cancer

Colorectal cancer

Cutaneous melanoma

Gastric cancer

Pancreatic cancer

Prostate cancer

Renal cell cancer

Thyroid cancer

Full List of Genes Tested

Tumour genes include those related to:

Breast cancer

Ovarian cancer

Uterine cancer

Colorectal cancer

Cutaneous melanoma

Gastric cancer

Pancreatic cancer

Prostate cancer

Renal cell cancer

Thyroid cancer

Full List of Genes Tested

Tumour genes include those related to:

Breast cancer

Ovarian cancer

Uterine cancer

Colorectal cancer

Cutaneous melanoma

Gastric cancer

Pancreatic cancer

Prostate cancer

Renal cell cancer

Thyroid cancer

Full List of Genes Tested

APC, ATM, BAP1, BARD1, BMPR1A, BRCA1, BRCA2, BRIP1, CDH1, CDK4, CDKN2A, CHEK2, EPCAM, HOXB13, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, MUTYH, NF1, NTHL1, PALB2, PMS2, POLD1, POLE, PTEN, RAD51C, RAD51D, SMAD4, STK11, TP53, VHL

Tumour genes include those related to:

Breast cancer

Ovarian cancer

Uterine cancer

Colorectal cancer

Cutaneous melanoma

Gastric cancer

Pancreatic cancer

Prostate cancer

Renal cell cancer

Thyroid cancer

Full List of Genes Tested

Pharmacogenetics illustrates how genetic changes can affect the influence of drugs. Genetic changes in the proteins responsible for absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of drugs can have a huge impact on their effectiveness and compatibility. Some drugs have different effects on different people, e.g. antidepressants, analgesics, neuroleptics, chemotherapeutics, AIDS medication, thrombosis medication, anaesthetics, beta-blockers, and statins. Reduced or missing activity of a specific enzyme may increase the drug dosage and cause unwanted side effects. On the other hand, a medication that is activated by metabolism may not work if an enzyme is inactive. Enhanced enzyme activity can also affect the response to medication, e.g. by degrading the active ingredients.

Full List of Genes