Preparing for Your At-Home Genetic Cancer Screening Consultation

Thank you for choosing Coyne Medical for your at-home genetic screening for inherited cancer risk. This page provides important information to help you prepare for your upcoming video consultation with our doctor.

During this consultation, the doctor will:
✅ Discuss your family history to assess your inherited cancer risk.
✅ Explain the genetic screening test, what it can and cannot tell you.
✅ Answer any questions you may have.
✅ Confirm your consent for testing.
✅ Arrange for your test kit to be sent to your home.

What to Do Before Your Consultation

To make the most of your appointment, please:

1️⃣ Gather Family History Information

Try to note details about any family members who have had cancer, including:

• Which relatives were affected? (parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts/uncles)
• What type of cancer did they have?
• How old were they when diagnosed?
• Have any relatives had genetic testing before?

If you are unsure about some details, don’t worry—just provide as much information as possible.

2️⃣ Understand What the Test Covers

This test analyzes 31 genes associated with increased cancer risk, including BRCA1, BRCA2, and other genes linked to breast, ovarian, bowel, prostate, and pancreatic cancer.

• A positive result means a mutation was found that increases your risk of certain cancers.
• A negative result means no known high-risk mutation was detected, but this does not completely rule out cancer risk.
• Results may have implications for family members, as these genes are inherited.

📌 Once your kit arrives, follow these step-by-step instructions to collect your saliva sample correctly:
👉 How to Take Your Sample for Home Genetic Testing

What this test does NOT do:
🚫 It does not diagnose cancer.
🚫 It does not test for conditions without available preventative measures (e.g., neurodegenerative diseases).
🚫 It does not guarantee whether or not you will develop cancer.

3️⃣ Consider Questions You May Have

You may want to ask about:
💡 How the test results might affect your health and future screening options.
💡 Whether the test results could impact your family.
💡 What lifestyle or medical changes you could consider based on the results.

How the Testing Process Works

📅 Step 1: Video Consultation

• Meet with a Coyne Medical doctor online.
• Review your family history and eligibility for testing.
• Confirm your informed consent.

📦 Step 2: Receive Your At-Home Test Kit

• A saliva collection kit will be sent to your address.
• Important: Do not eat, drink, smoke, or chew gum for 30 minutes before collecting your saliva sample.
• Follow the enclosed step-by-step instructions or refer to our online guide here.

📮 Step 3: Return Your Sample

• Securely package your saliva sample.
• Send it back using the prepaid return packaging provided.

🧬 Step 4: Receive Your Results & Follow-Up Consultation

• Results take 15-20 working days.
• You will have a follow-up consultation (free of charge) to discuss your results and next steps.
• If a positive result is found, we will guide you on recommended screenings, lifestyle changes, and family risk management.

What Happens If You Get a Positive Result?

If a genetic mutation is found:
✔️ You will receive detailed recommendations on screening and prevention.
✔️ You may wish to share your results with family members who may also be at risk.
✔️ You will be offered a free follow-up consultation with a genetic counselor from Informed Genomics to discuss next steps.

Confidentiality & Insurance

• Your test results are confidential and will not be shared without your consent.
• In the UK, insurance companies cannot ask for genetic test results when applying for most policies.
• More information on insurance and genetic testing can be found here.

Need Assistance?

If you have any questions before your consultation, please contact us at contact@coynemedical.com.

We look forward to supporting you on your journey toward proactive, personalised healthcare.