Genetic breast and ovarian cancer risk test in Chiswick

What the test measures

This panel reads 8 genes in which inherited variants are associated with a higher chance of breast cancer, ovarian cancer or both. Alongside BRCA1 and BRCA2, the best known, it includes PALB2, ATM and CHEK2, which carry a moderate to high effect, and CDH1, PTEN and TP53, which are linked with rarer inherited syndromes.

A single blood sample is enough, because the DNA in your blood cells carries the same inherited code as the rest of your body. Men can inherit and pass on these variants too, so the test is open to anyone.

Your price includes the sample taken at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review of your result and a GP feedback report on request. We strongly recommend discussing any finding with a genetic counsellor or specialist, who can explain what it means for you and your family.

Who it is for

• You have close relatives who were diagnosed with breast cancer, especially before the age of 50, or with ovarian cancer at any age.
• A male relative has had breast cancer.
• You have Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry, where certain BRCA variants are more common.
• A family member has a known variant in BRCA1, BRCA2 or another gene on this panel.
• You want information on inherited risk to help plan screening or family decisions with a specialist.

Understanding your result

Your report lists, gene by gene, whether a pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant was found, whether a variant of uncertain significance was seen, or whether nothing relevant was detected. Carrying a pathogenic variant means a raised lifetime risk, not a certainty, and NHS genetics and breast services can offer earlier or more frequent screening and discuss options for reducing risk.

A clear result does not remove all risk either. Most breast cancers are not caused by a single inherited gene, and your family history may still mean extra screening is worthwhile. Treat every result as the start of a conversation with a specialist rather than a diagnosis.

Preparing for your test

You do not need to fast, and you can eat, drink and take your usual medicines before your appointment. If a relative has already had genetic testing, bring their report if you can, since knowing the exact family variant helps your result to be read accurately. Let us know if you have had a bone marrow transplant, as this affects DNA taken from blood.

You can look up individual markers in our biomarker A to Z, or see every blood test and price in Chiswick for the full range.

Questions

How much is a genetic breast and ovarian cancer risk test in Chiswick?

The test costs £678 and includes your blood sample in Chiswick, sequencing of all 8 genes at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review of your result and a GP feedback report on request.

Can men take the BRCA test?

Yes. Men can carry BRCA1, BRCA2 and the other variants on this panel and can pass them to their children. Some variants also raise the chance of male breast cancer and prostate cancer.

Does a BRCA variant mean I will get cancer?

No. It raises your lifetime risk, but many carriers never develop cancer. A specialist can explain your personal risk and the screening or preventive options available.

Should I see a genetic counsellor before testing?

It is worth considering. A counsellor can help you think through how a result might affect you and your relatives.