Genes are small sections of DNA that provide the instructions that give us our individual characteristics. Our genes determine the colour of our eyes and hair, our height and other physical characteristics. Genetic testing looks at variations in these genes that determine whether you might be predisposed to certain diseases. Genetic testing can also tell us how your body might respond to drugs. 

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. 

We ensure the highest level of security for your personal information. We will never sell or share your medical information or data. 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.

We offer two levels of genetic cancer screening, with options for at-home or in-clinic testing:

🔹 35 Cancer Gene Panel

• £650 – At-Home Testing

• £900 – In-Clinic Testing
  Includes:

• Pre-test video consultation with a doctor

• Medical and family history review

• Sample collection (saliva)

• Laboratory analysis of 35 cancer risk genes (including BRCA1/2, TP53, PALB2, etc.)

• Follow-up consultation with a doctor to explain your results

• Full written report with personalised recommendations for screening, prevention, or onward referral

🔹 54 Cancer Gene Panel + Pharmacogenomics

• £1300 – In-Clinic Only
  Includes everything in the standard panel, plus:

• Expanded analysis of 51 cancer risk genes

• Pharmacogenetic testing: insight into how your genes may affect medication response (including dosage, side effects, and alternatives)

• Integrated results report with recommendations for both cancer screening and medication management

✅ All options include follow-up with a Coyne Medical doctor, personalised next steps, and letters for your NHS GP or specialist referrals if needed.

Tumour genes include those related to:

Breast cancer

Ovarian cancer

Uterine cancer

Colorectal cancer

Cutaneous melanoma (skin cancer)

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, GREM1, HOXB13, MITF, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, MUTYH, NF1, NTHL1, PALB2, PMS2, POLD1, POLE, POT1, PTEN, RAD51C, RAD51D, RNF43, SMAD4, STK11, TP53, VHL

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