Our tests offer a service intended to identify if an individual has an increased risk for certain types of hereditary cancer, composed of a genetic test and an assessment of family cancer history (when provided). The genetic test serves to identify gene variants (mutations) linked to an increased risk for cancer, while the family cancer history assessment serves to investigate signs of hereditary cancer in the family’s history.
You order your kit online and have it delivered to your doorstep. You can send it back with a prepaid return envelope. Once we receive your kit, we’ll process it and send you a results report within 10 business days.
Pathogenic variants are mutations that can cause hereditary cancer. If you have one of these variants, it means you have an increased risk of developing cancer.
And while having the variant does not mean you will definitely develop cancer, it does mean that your risk for developing cancer is higher than someone who doesn’t have the variant.
So what can you do about it? The best thing is to talk with a doctor or genetic counselor if you think you might have inherited a pathogenic variant from your parents. They can help you understand what your options are and what steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing cancer in the future.
We’re glad you asked! There’s a lot of reasons to get tested, and here are just a few:
Knowledge of hereditary risk provides opportunity to reduce your cancer risk or detect cancer sooner. Individuals with an increased hereditary risk for cancer can participate in screening programs to detect potential cancer early. The earlier a cancer is detected, the greater the opportunity is for effective treatment. For certain cancer types, risk-reducing surgery may an alternative to significantly reduce your cancer risk.
Your carrier status (i.e. whether or not you carry a certain genetic variant) may even be relevant for therapy selection should you develop cancer.
Our tests are intended for adults 18 years of age or older who would like to know if they have a increased risk for hereditary cancer.
The test is not intended to diagnose or rule out any specific type of cancer, rather it will inform you if you are at an increased risk for developing certain types of cancers.
The probability is increased, however, if any of the following are true:
- If you or a close relative have been diagnosed with cancer at a young age, such as breast cancer before 40. What is considered a young age varies by cancer type.
- If you or a close relative have had several cancer diagnoses.
- If you or a close relative have had a rare cancer diagnosis.
- If several close relatives have had the same or related cancer diagnoses. Colorectal cancer and uterine cancer, for example, are related cancer types.
Research shows, however, that many individuals with pathogenic variants do not meet these criteria.
The test is an analysis of genomic DNA (gDNA) via Next Generation Sequencing (NGS).
The analysis is performed on a small sample of saliva. Upon ordering, you will be sent a small saliva collection kit for at-home sample collection. Instructions and materials for sample return are all included in the kit.
The analysis is performed on a small sample of saliva. Upon ordering, you will be sent a small saliva collection kit for at-home sample collection. Instructions and materials for sample return are all included in the kit.
Yes, saliva is just as good a sample type as blood. The test analyses genomic DNA, which is present in all cells of the body. Both blood and saliva have plenty of cells, and therefore genomic DNA. Saliva collection is non-invasive and can be collected in the comfort of your home. It’s also more convenient than having to go to a clinic or lab for blood collection..
After you complete the test, you will receive a report indicating the presence or absence of pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in the genes analysed. A variant is considered pathogenic or likely pathogenic if it is known to be capable of causing disease. If such a variant is identified, you will also be provided information regarding your increased risk for certain types of cancer.
Please note that this risk is an estimation based on large clinical studies. Individual risk may vary based on environmental or lifestyle factors, or family history of cancer.
If you have provided information about your family history of cancer, your report will indicate if your cancer risk may be increased based on this family history.
Results are delivered electronically within 8 weeks from receipt of the sample at the lab.
A positive result means that pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants were identified in the genes sequenced. Your results report will include instructions for scheduling a consultation with one of our genetic counselors. The counselor will further explain what your result means for you and next steps. If you reside in Sweden, we will help you get connected with a cancer genetics clinic for continued care with regards to your cancer risk. If you reside in the UK, you will be offered an additional consultation with a GP.
If you have questions about what to expect after receiving your results, check out the other FAQs on this page!
You may have found out that you have a genetic variant that increases your risk of cancer. Let’s talk about what that means!
First, your test result is only directly applicable to you but may have implications for your family as well. Variants found through this test are most often inherited from a parent. In this case, your siblings have a 50% chance of carrying the same variant. Your children also have a 50% chance of carrying the variant. In rare cases the variant may be newly occurring (also called a de novo variant), in which case your parents and siblings are not carriers. Children, however, can inherit the variant.
Upon visiting a cancer genetics clinic, the inheritance pathway will be investigated to determine if and from whom the variant was inherited, and which of your relatives should be tested. These relatives may be offered a carrier test, a test that looks specifically for the variant you carry.
What does a “negative result” mean?
If your test results come back negative, it means that no pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants were identified in the genes you chose to have sequenced. This means that, based on current clinical information, you do not have a significantly increased risk for the cancer types covered by the particular service you chose.
It is possible, however, for your cancer risk to be moderately increased based on your family history of cancer. A strong family history of cancer may indicate further investigation of your hereditary risk by a cancer genetics clinic based on this family history. Your Oncologist will be able to walk you through next steps.
A negative result does not rule out the possibility that one of your relatives may carry a pathogenic variant.
iCellate (our partner laboratory in Sweden) has analytically validated its test in accordance with best practice, demonstrating 99.9% sensitivity, >99% specificity, and 99.9% reproducibility.
This means that we are extremely likely to find the variants that exist (sensitivity), with an extremely low chance for false positive findings (specificity).
All risk assessments are based on clinical studies. References are provided in each results report.
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Get in touch with us via email or telephone to discuss any questions you may have:
help@test4.life
+44 (0) 1226 654654
