Hereditary cancer risk testing can help individuals and families understand whether inherited genetic changes may increase their likelihood of developing certain cancers. If you have a family history of breast, ovarian, bowel, pancreatic or prostate cancer, you may wonder whether your own cancer risk is higher than average.
Genetic testing can sometimes provide useful information to help you and your healthcare professional make informed decisions about screening, surveillance and preventive healthcare.
At Miracle Inside Diagnostic Scan Clinic in Leeds, we offer access to OncoNext® Risk Genetic Cancer Testing, including targeted genetic panels and comprehensive hereditary cancer risk assessment.
This guide explains who may benefit from genetic testing, which cancers can be assessed, how the testing process works and what different genetic results mean.
What Is Hereditary Cancer Risk Testing?
Most cancers develop as a result of genetic changes acquired during a person’s lifetime. These may arise through ageing, environmental exposures, lifestyle factors or biological processes.
However, some cancers are associated with inherited genetic variants passed from parents to their children.
Hereditary cancer risk testing examines selected genes to identify variants associated with an increased risk of developing particular cancers.
Many of these genes are involved in important cellular functions, including:
- Repairing damaged DNA.
- Regulating normal cell growth.
- Suppressing the development of tumours.
- Controlling cell division and programmed cell death.
Examples include BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6 and APC.
Changes in some of these genes can increase the likelihood of developing specific types of cancer.
Important: Having an inherited cancer-related variant does not mean that cancer is present or that cancer will definitely develop. Genetic risk testing is not a diagnostic test for active cancer.
Who Should Consider Hereditary Cancer Genetic Testing?
Genetic testing may be particularly useful when a person’s medical history or family history suggests an inherited cancer predisposition.
1. People With a Strong Family History of Cancer
Testing may be worth discussing with a healthcare professional if several biological relatives have developed the same or related cancers, particularly on the same side of the family.
2. Families With Cancer Diagnosed at a Young Age
Some hereditary cancer syndromes are associated with cancers developing at younger ages than typically expected.
For example, NICE guidance recommends further risk assessment in certain families where a first-degree relative developed breast cancer before the age of 40.
3. Families With a Known Genetic Variant
If a close relative has already been identified as carrying a pathogenic or likely pathogenic cancer-predisposing variant, other biological relatives may benefit from targeted testing and genetic counselling.
4. People With Multiple Primary Cancers
Developing more than one separate primary cancer can sometimes indicate an underlying hereditary cancer syndrome, particularly when combined with a relevant family history.
5. People Advised to Consider Testing by a Clinician
A GP, oncologist or clinical genetics specialist may recommend genetic risk assessment based on personal history, tumour characteristics or family history.
Can you have inherited cancer risk without a family history?
Yes. A lack of known cancer in the family does not completely exclude an inherited genetic predisposition. However, testing is not necessarily appropriate for everyone, and professional assessment can help establish whether it is likely to be informative.
Which Cancer Types Can Genetic Risk Testing Assess?
Different inherited genetic variants are associated with different cancers. Some panels focus on specific cancer groups, while comprehensive panels examine a wider selection of genes.
Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer
Pathogenic variants in genes such as BRCA1, BRCA2 and PALB2 may increase breast cancer risk. Certain variants are also associated with ovarian cancer.
Hereditary Colorectal or Bowel Cancer
Variants in mismatch repair genes, including MLH1, MSH2, MSH6 and PMS2, are associated with Lynch syndrome.
Other inherited syndromes, including familial adenomatous polyposis associated with APC, can also increase colorectal cancer risk.
Hereditary Prostate Cancer
Some inherited variants, particularly in genes such as BRCA2, are associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer.
Hereditary Pancreatic Cancer
Inherited variants in genes including BRCA2, PALB2 and CDKN2A may contribute to pancreatic cancer susceptibility in some families.
Other Hereditary Cancer Syndromes
Depending on the selected panel, genetic assessment may also include genes associated with gastric cancer, melanoma, renal tumours, thyroid-related cancer syndromes and other hereditary cancer conditions.
The exact genes examined depend on the laboratory panel selected.
OncoNext® Risk Genetic Cancer Testing at Miracle Inside
At Miracle Inside Diagnostic Scan Clinic, Leeds, patients can access OncoNext® Risk, a blood-based genetic testing service designed to investigate inherited variants associated with cancer susceptibility.
The available options include targeted hereditary cancer panels and a comprehensive genetic panel.
Available Testing Options
- BRCA1 and BRCA2 Genetic Testing: focused assessment of these two important hereditary cancer susceptibility genes.
- Breast Cancer Risk Panel: examines selected genes associated with inherited breast cancer predisposition.
- Ovarian Cancer Risk Panel: examines selected genes associated with hereditary ovarian cancer risk and related syndromes.
- Colorectal Cancer Risk Panel: examines genes associated with inherited bowel cancer syndromes.
- Pancreatic Cancer Risk Panel: examines selected genes associated with inherited pancreatic cancer risk.
- Prostate Cancer Risk Panel: assesses genes linked to hereditary prostate cancer predisposition.
- Comprehensive Hereditary Cancer Panel: evaluates a broader range of cancer-predisposition genes across multiple cancer types.
Additional targeted options may be available depending on laboratory provision.
Choosing the right panel matters. Broader testing does not automatically provide more clinically useful information. The best option depends on your circumstances, the relevant cancers in your family and any previously identified genetic variants.
View OncoNext® Risk test options and current prices at Miracle Inside.
How Does Hereditary Cancer Genetic Testing Work?
Hereditary cancer risk testing generally involves the following stages:
Step 1: Review Your Medical and Family History
Before testing, your personal and family history should be considered to help determine whether testing is appropriate and which genes are most relevant.
Step 2: Pre-Test Information and Consent
It is important to understand what the test can and cannot detect, possible outcomes and the implications for biological relatives.
Appropriate genetic counselling or clinical genetics advice should be arranged where indicated.
Step 3: Blood Sample Collection
OncoNext® Risk testing uses a blood sample, which can be collected at Miracle Inside Diagnostic Scan Clinic in Leeds.
Step 4: Laboratory Genetic Analysis
The laboratory examines the genes included in the chosen panel to identify reportable genetic variants.
Step 5: Results and Professional Interpretation
Results should be reviewed with an appropriately qualified healthcare professional, who can explain their significance and advise whether genetic specialist referral or further assessment is required.
Laboratory turnaround times vary depending on the selected panel and testing requirements. Contact Miracle Inside for current estimated result times.
Understanding Your Genetic Cancer Test Results
Hereditary cancer genetic results require careful interpretation. There are several possible outcomes.
What Does a Positive Result Mean?
A clinically significant positive result means that a pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant associated with cancer susceptibility has been identified.
This may indicate an increased risk of certain cancers, depending on the gene and variant involved.
A positive result does not mean that cancer is present or inevitable.
What Does a Negative Result Mean?
A negative result means that no reportable variant was identified within the scope of the test.
However, this does not eliminate cancer risk.
A negative result may be particularly informative when a specific pathogenic variant is already known in the family and targeted testing shows that the person has not inherited it.
What Is a Variant of Uncertain Significance?
A variant of uncertain significance (VUS) is a genetic change for which available evidence is insufficient to establish whether it increases cancer risk.
A VUS should not normally be used on its own to justify major risk-reducing interventions. Specialist interpretation and, occasionally, later reassessment may be appropriate.
What Happens After a Significant Result?
Depending on your clinical circumstances, a healthcare professional may discuss:
- Referral to a clinical genetics specialist.
- Earlier or more frequent cancer surveillance where recommended.
- Risk-reducing treatments or procedures for selected high-risk conditions.
- Targeted genetic testing for biological relatives.
- Lifestyle measures that may reduce modifiable cancer risks.
Decisions should be individualised and based on recognised clinical guidance.
Can Hereditary Cancer Testing Help Your Family?
One potential benefit of hereditary cancer testing is that the results may also be relevant to biological relatives.
For certain autosomal dominant hereditary cancer syndromes, a parent carrying a pathogenic genetic variant has a 50% chance of passing that variant to each biological child.
However, inheritance patterns differ between conditions. Carrying a variant is not the same as having cancer, and not everyone who inherits a cancer-predisposing variant develops the disease.
Genetic counselling can help explain family implications and whether targeted testing of relatives may be appropriate.
What Should You Do If Several Relatives Have Had Cancer?
Start by gathering information about your family history, including:
- Which biological relatives developed cancer.
- The type of cancer diagnosed.
- The approximate age at diagnosis.
- Whether cancers occurred on the maternal or paternal side.
- Whether any relatives have already undergone genetic testing.
Discussing this information with a healthcare professional may help identify whether specialist genetic risk assessment is recommended.
Why Consider Private Genetic Cancer Testing in Leeds?
People may seek private hereditary cancer genetic testing because of concerns about their family history, a recommendation from a healthcare professional or a wish to explore available genetic testing options.
Miracle Inside provides access to OncoNext® Risk genetic testing and blood sample collection in Leeds.
Before booking, patients should establish the most suitable test, its limitations, the current price, expected turnaround time and arrangements for clinical interpretation and follow-up.
Genetic testing is most useful when the results can be interpreted within an appropriate clinical pathway.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hereditary Cancer Genetic Testing
1. Can a blood test tell me if I will develop cancer?
No. Hereditary cancer genetic testing can identify certain inherited genetic variants associated with increased cancer risk. It cannot predict with certainty whether you will develop cancer.
2. Is BRCA testing only relevant to women?
No. BRCA1 and BRCA2 variants can be inherited by people of any sex. They may be associated with increased risks of breast, ovarian, prostate, pancreatic and certain other cancers.
3. Does a negative genetic cancer test mean I am cancer-free?
No. A negative genetic result does not rule out an existing cancer or guarantee that cancer will never develop. Routine screening and medical assessment remain important.
4. How much does OncoNext Risk genetic testing cost?
The cost depends on the specific panel selected. Visit the Miracle Inside OncoNext® Risk testing page for published prices, or contact the clinic for a current quotation and any applicable collection or laboratory charges.
5. How long do hereditary cancer genetic test results take?
Turnaround times vary according to the genetic panel and laboratory requirements. Miracle Inside can confirm the current estimated reporting time before you book.
6. Can I have genetic cancer testing without a family history?
Testing may sometimes be considered without a known family history, but it is not automatically recommended for everyone. A clinician can help evaluate the potential benefits and limitations.
7. Can a positive genetic test help other family members?
Yes. If a clinically significant inherited variant is found, biological relatives may be eligible for targeted testing to determine whether they carry the same variant.
8. Will genetic testing replace normal cancer screening?
No. Hereditary genetic testing does not replace recommended cancer screening, symptom assessment or medical investigations. Some results may lead to additional surveillance, but this must be determined by a healthcare professional.
9. Do I need genetic counselling before testing?
Appropriate pre-test counselling or professional discussion is recommended because results may have medical, emotional and family implications. Specialist counselling is particularly important when significant findings are identified.
10. Where can I get hereditary cancer testing in Leeds?
Miracle Inside Diagnostic Scan Clinic, located at 218A–218B Dewsbury Road, Hunslet, Leeds LS11 6ER, provides access to OncoNext® Risk hereditary cancer genetic testing.
Book or Enquire About Hereditary Cancer Risk Testing
Understanding your inherited cancer risk can support more informed conversations with your healthcare team about surveillance, prevention and the potential implications for your family.
If you are concerned about hereditary cancer or would like more information about OncoNext® Risk testing, contact Miracle Inside to discuss the available panels and blood sample collection arrangements.
Miracle Inside Diagnostic Scan Clinic
218A–218B Dewsbury Road, Hunslet, Leeds LS11 6ER, United Kingdom
Telephone: 0113 460 8760
Website: www.miracleinside.com
Explore OncoNext® Risk Genetic Cancer Testing and Booking Options