Genetic tests to check your cancer risk

Why genetic tests to check your cancer risk are done

Some cancer can be caused by changes, called faults, in your genes. These faults in genes can be passed on in families.

Genetic tests for cancer risk check for faults in your genes that mean you're at higher risk of getting these types of cancer.

It may be helpful to be tested if several people in your family have had certain types of cancer.

There are many different faults in genes that can increase your chance of getting certain types of cancer.

For example, having a faulty BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene increases the risk of getting breast, ovarian or prostate cancer. But it does not mean you'll definitely get cancer.

If testing finds you're at higher risk of getting cancer, you may be offered:

• regular checks that can find cancer before you have any symptoms – finding cancer early means it may be easier to treat
• treatment that lowers your risk of getting cancer
• help with making lifestyle changes that may lower your risk of getting cancer

Who can get genetic tests to check cancer risk

You may be able to get genetic tests on the NHS to check your cancer risk if:

• 1 of your close relatives (such as a parent, sister, brother or child) has been told they have a faulty gene that increases their risk of cancer
• several people in your family have had certain types of cancer
• you have a Jewish background

How to get genetic tests to check your cancer risk

Speak to a GP about getting genetic tests if you think there's a chance you have a gene that increases cancer risk.

If you have at least 1 Jewish grandparent and are over 18, you can sign up for the free NHS Jewish BRCA testing programme.

How genetic tests to check your cancer risk are done

You'll usually have an appointment with a genetic counsellor or specialist who will find out if you need genetic tests to check if you're at higher risk of getting certain cancers.

The genetic counsellor will ask you some questions about your relatives who've had cancer, and if they've been tested for genes that increase cancer risk.

If they think you may have a faulty gene that increases your risk of getting cancer, you'll usually be offered a blood test that can find out.

The genetic counsellor will help you understand the tests, and what the results may mean for you.

Getting the results of genetic tests to check your cancer risk

You'll usually get the results of genetic tests to check your cancer risk within a few weeks.

If you do not hear anything after a few weeks, contact your GP surgery or specialist.

If your results show you do not have genes that increase your risk of getting cancer, you will not need to do anything else.

If your results show you have genes that increase your chance of getting cancer, a genetic counsellor should talk to you about your results, offer support, and explain what happens next.

You may be offered further tests, or treatments to lower your risk of getting cancer. You may also get advice on lifestyle changes which can lower your risk of cancer.

The genetic counsellor may also talk to you about telling any relatives who may have the same faulty gene, so they can think about getting tested.

Ask to talk to a healthcare professional if you have questions about your results.