Understanding your result
The lab classifies any gene change it finds using UK and international guidelines. For you, that usually means one of three kinds of result, reviewed by a Northwest Health clinician and explained by your counsellor.
An increased inherited risk
A pathogenic or likely pathogenic gene change was found. This means increased risk, not certainty.
- Your counsellor explains your level of risk
- You may be referred for earlier or more frequent screening
- Options to reduce risk can be discussed with a specialist
- Relatives may be offered testing for the same variant
No change detected
No pathogenic change was found in the 36 genes tested.
- If your family has a known variant and you don't carry it, you didn't inherit it
- Otherwise, your family history still matters
- Keep up any screening you've been advised to have
Variant of uncertain significance
A gene change was found whose effect isn't yet known.
- These are not usually acted on clinically
- Screening is based on your family history
- Many are reclassified as evidence grows, usually as harmless
What your counselling session covers
- What your result means for your own risk
- What it could mean for your relatives, and how to tell them
- Next steps to take with your GP or a specialist
- The emotional side of a genetic result, and where to find support
Sharing your result with family
Your result can matter to your parents, siblings and children, because they may share the same variant. Deciding whether and how to tell them is personal. Your counsellor can help you plan the conversation, and relatives can then seek advice for themselves.
A result is about risk. It is not a diagnosis of cancer, and many people with a variant never develop cancer.
Ready to understand your inherited risk?
Order online, give your sample at home and talk your result through with a qualified genetic counsellor.
- 36 genes, including BRCA1, BRCA2 and PALB2
- ISO 15189 accredited UK laboratory
- Genetic counselling before and after your test
- Results reviewed by Northwest Health clinicians
- Free UK shipping and discreet packaging