Cancer Testing & Inherited Cancer Risk
We offer two related but distinct services: Cancer Risk Testing, which looks for inherited variants that raise your lifetime risk, and Cancer Testing, which supports an existing diagnosis by profiling the cancer itself. Both work alongside your healthcare team.
Cancer Risk Testing vs. Cancer Testing
These two services look at different things, at different stages, for different reasons: here’s how each one supports you and your healthcare team.
Cancer Risk Testing
Looks at your own DNA for inherited gene variants (such as BRCA1/BRCA2 or Lynch syndrome markers) linked to a higher lifetime risk of certain cancers. This is done before any diagnosis, to inform screening and prevention.
Cancer Testing
Supports an existing cancer diagnosis by analysing a tumour sample or relevant biomarkers, helping characterise the cancer and giving your oncology team more information to guide treatment decisions.
What This Testing Looks At
Cancer risk genetic testing looks for specific inherited gene variants known to be associated with a higher likelihood of developing certain cancers over a lifetime.
Inherited Risk Factors
Identifies variants passed down through families that may raise cancer risk.
Informed Health Decisions
Gives you and your healthcare provider more information for screening and prevention planning.
Confidential Results
Your genetic information is handled with the same strict confidentiality as every LynxDNA test.
Why People Take This Test
Genetic counselling and testing may be worth discussing with your doctor for reasons such as:
Family History of Cancer
A parent, sibling or close relative has had breast, ovarian, colorectal or another hereditary cancer.
Informing Screening Decisions
Deciding on earlier or more frequent cancer screening based on your personal genetic risk.
Family Planning
Understanding inherited risks that could be passed on to children.
Personal Peace of Mind
Getting a clearer picture of your own inherited health risk, with or without a known family history.
Who Should Consider This Test
Our team can talk you through whether this test fits your situation.
Speak with our team before booking
Genetic health testing is a personal decision. We recommend a conversation with our team first.
Conditions We Screen For
Our panel can look at inherited variants linked to a number of hereditary cancer syndromes, including:
Hereditary Breast & Ovarian Cancer
Includes BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene variants.
Lynch Syndrome
Linked to increased risk of colorectal and other cancers.
Other Hereditary Cancer Panels
Ask our team about additional panels for prostate, pancreatic and other hereditary cancer risks.
How It Works
Free Genetic Counselling
We talk through your family history with you before testing, at no cost, to help you decide if this test is right for you.
Sample Collection
A simple blood draw or cheek swab is taken at one of our offices or collection centres: cancer testing is carried out at the lab and is not available as a home test.
Laboratory Analysis
Your sample is screened against our hereditary cancer risk gene panel.
Results & Post-Test Counselling
We walk you through your results and what they may mean, with free post-test counselling and guidance on next steps with your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A positive result means you carry a variant linked to higher risk, not a certainty of developing cancer. Our counselling team will explain what your result means for you.
No referral is required, though we recommend involving your doctor once you have your results so they can be factored into your ongoing care.
Most cancer risk panels use a blood draw or cheek swab. Our team will confirm exactly what is needed for your panel when you book.
Yes. Free pre-test and post-test genetic counselling is included with every cancer risk test.
Yes. Your genetic information is handled with the same strict confidentiality as every LynxDNA test.
No. Cancer risk and cancer testing must be carried out at our laboratory or a collection centre, since they require a blood draw or clinical sample and pre- and post-test genetic counselling. Our Home DNA Test Kit is only available for peace-of-mind paternity testing.
Ready to Learn More?
Book a consultation or reach out with questions about cancer risk genetic testing.
Cancer testing enquiries: 09010001994