Hereditary BRCA1 and BRCA2 Cancer Panel
Hereditary BRCA1 and BRCA2 Cancer Panel
The BRCA1/2 panel looks for genetic variants in the BRCA genes which are associated with an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer. In addition the BRCA genes also have an association with male breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer and melanoma.
- Tracked delivery of sample collection kits to you.
- Pre-and post-test clinical support explaining the process.
- Clinically actionable genes selected to suit the cancers listed.
- Detailed report showing any genetic variants found.
- Reports generated in 15 working days*
Product Type
CancerCouldn't load pickup availability
- *From the time sample is at the laboratory
Description
FAQ
Why take this test?
The BRCA 1 and 2 gene test looks for DNA changes that increase the risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer. BRCA1 and BRCA2 are the most well known genes and changes in these genes significantly increase the risk of many cancers, including breast cancer, male breast cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer and melanoma (BRCA2). This panel looks only at these genes and not the others associated with increased risk. By analysing these genes this panel enables the early determination of risk of a second primary in affected patients, helping to inform surgical and treatment decisions. Also suitable for testing immediate relatives of a known carrier to identify any inherited genetic link to breast and ovarian cancer risk.
What we test for?
This breast cancer genetic test confirms the presence of genetic variants in diagnosed cancer patients and helps identify increased cancer risk in immediate relatives of the patient. It is also suitable for individuals with or without a family history of cancer, helping to detect inherited genetic variants that may increase their risk. This is a saliva test which you can take when convenient which is simple, quick, easy, with step-by-step instructions. Testing takes 15 working days from the time that the sample arrives at our laboratory.
What genes do we analyse?
Genetic testing for cancer genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 only.
Understanding your results
There are three possible outcomes from this test:
The test results may come back negative. This means that the test has not identified any faults in the genes analysed. So, you are not at an increased risk of any of the common cancers caused by a known inherited fault in the genes we have tested.
The test result could show you have a Variant of Uncertain Significance, an inconclusive result. Also known as a VUS. If you have a variant of uncertain significance or VUS, this means a variant of uncertain significance has been identified in one of the genes analysed.
The other possible outcome may show you have a variant detected test result. This means that a fault in one or more of your genes has been found, which shows you have an increased risk of developing a particular cancer.
Who is the test for?
This BRCA gene test is for over 18-year-olds only. It is suitable for individuals affected or unaffected by a current cancer diagnosis. Although a doctor’s referral is not required; you may wish to share the results with your healthcare professional.
Which test should I have? ▼
Please refer to our test product descriptions for further information. If you are still undecided, we can arrange for our medical team to speak to you. Please contact us on cancertesting@berkeleygenetics.com or +44 (0)1270 623179.
What are the likely outcomes from the test? ▼
There are three possible outcomes from this test:
The test results may come back negative. This means that the test has not identified any faults in the genes analysed. So, you are not at an increased risk of any of the common cancers caused by a known inherited fault in the genes we have tested.
The test result could show you have a Variant of Uncertain Significance, an inconclusive result. Also known as a VUS. If you have a variant of uncertain significance or VUS, this means a variant of uncertain significance has been identified in one of the genes analysed.
Variants of uncertain significance are variants where there is insufficient global evidence to support whether they are meaningful or not.
With the current knowledge we have, we cannot be sure whether this fault means you have an increased risk of the cancer tested for. However, as global knowledge grows and we understand more, 90% of these turn out to be clinically insignificant or negative. If a VUS is upgraded to variant detected result or downgraded to a negative result, an amended report will be issued to you. There is no need for you to provide a new sample.
The other possible outcome may show you have a variant detected test result. This means that a fault in one or more of your genes has been found, which shows you have an increased risk of developing a particular cancer.
If you have ordered the test directly with us, you will receive your results report by secure email. If, however, this test has been organised through your clinician, a copy of this report will be sent to them with your consent.
Whatever the result, we may arrange for a medical specialist to contact you to talk through the test result report, discuss next steps and answer any questions you may have. Alternatively, we will send an informational video along with the result.
If you have any questions before taking the test, please get in touch.
How long is my sample stable for while in transit? ▼
Saliva samples are stable for 6 months in suitable conditions.
When can I expect the test results? ▼
Once your sample has been received in the laboratory, the expected reporting time is 15 working days or 3 weeks. If you have not heard anything after this time, please contact Berkeley Genetic on cancertesting@berkeleygenetics.com or +44 (0)1270 623179.
How will I receive the report? ▼
The result report will be sent to the email address you have provided. We may arrange for our medical team to speak to you about your result and we will contact you to arrange a convenient time for this.
What does a variant detected result mean for me? ▼
Whether you are affected with cancer or not you will need to discuss the result with a healthcare professional who may alter any treatment and drugs given or will discuss risk-reducing strategies with you. Our medical team will have already been in touch about your result but if you have any further questions on receiving the results report please contact us and we can arrange for one of our medical team to speak to you.
What does a VUS result mean for my family? ▼
If you have a variant of uncertain significance or VUS, this means a variant of uncertain significance has been identified in one of the genes analysed.
Variants of uncertain significance are variants where there is insufficient global evidence to support whether they are meaningful or not.
With the current knowledge we have, we cannot be sure whether this fault means you have an increased risk of the cancer tested for. However, as global knowledge grows and we understand more, 90% of these turn out to be clinically insignificant or negative.
We do not recommend testing family members for any VUS's found.
Should my children, siblings or relatives be tested? ▼
If a variant has been detected in you, there is a 50% chance that it may be found in your children or siblings and that there may be implications for your relatives. We therefore recommend that you discuss this with them and, should they decide that they want to be tested ask them to get in touch with us, providing their contact details. If they would like to speak to one of our medical team about this, please contact us and we can arrange for one of them to speak to them.
Please note that we only offer genetic testing to individuals over the age of 18.
Can I access genetic testing through my private insurance? ▼
Many private insurance policies will cover a genetic test if you have an existing diagnosis of cancer; however, it is important to check with your healthcare professional and insurance policy to see if this would be an appropriate addition to your care. Once you have been given an authorisation code then please contact our Central Services team on 01270 623179 who can process your order with this clinical information and authorisation details. You are not able to add this into the check-out process on the website at this time.