Genetic Testing & Counselling

What is genetic counselling?

Individuals with a family history of cancer often have many questions including: am I at risk, are my children at risk and what can I do to detect or reduce my risk of cancer?

Genetic counsellors aim to answer these questions and explain the underlying causes of cancer where possible.

What does genetic counselling involve?

Genetic counselling involves taking a detailed family and medical history, and providing a personalised genetic cancer risk assessment. This risk assessment includes: your personal genetic cancer risk, the risk the cancer in your family is inherited and an explanation of whether genetic testing would be helpful for your family. If genetic cancer testing is available the genetic counsellor will explain its benefits and limitations. Cancer screening and risk reducing options may also be recommended.

Individuals concerned about their genetic cancer risk due to a family history of cancer will be sent a family history questionnaire and a personalised risk assessment performed. Following this a genetic counselling appointment will be arranged. This appointment can take place by telephone or over Skype, and lasts around one hour. If you would prefer, a face-to-face discussion with one of our counsellors can be arranged in one of our clinics.

Following this genetic counselling consultation, genetic cancer testing may be available. If you decide to have genetic testing an appointment will made for a saliva sample to be taken. This can be done at one of our nationwide clinics or at your GP surgery. Depending on the genetic cancer test requested, results are usually available in approximately 4-10 weeks. At this time another telephone appointment will be made with the genetic counsellor to discuss your results and options.

Although only a small percentage of cancers are hereditary, a family history of cancer can cause concern. Approximately; 5% of breast cancer and 10-20% of ovarian cancers are inherited. In some families; womb cancer, skin cancer, renal (kidney) and other cancers may also be inherited.

Pricing

The price for a one hour genetic counselling session with one of GeneHealth UK’s genetic counsellors is £150.

Why would I want to know that I have an increased risk of cancer?

If you would like to discuss your options regarding BRCA breast cancer genetic testing or would like to arrange to see a counsellor, please contact us to arrange an appointment.

For more information about BRCA1 & BRCA2 visit our BRCA page here.

For further information please contact us.