
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in Australia. About 30% of people with colorectal cancer have a family history of the disease, and up to 10% have genetic changes linked to inherited cancer syndromes like Lynch syndrome and Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) or MUTYH-Associated Polyposis (MAP).
Lynch syndrome is a common inherited condition that increases the risk of colorectal cancer, endometrial cancer, and other cancers. It is caused by specific changes in certain genes (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, and EPCAM).
Genetic testing can identify these changes, allowing patients and their families to take steps to reduce their cancer risk through regular screening and preventive measures.
This test looks for genetic changes linked to Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) and MUTYH-Associated Polyposis (MAP), which are conditions that increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer.
Identifying these pathogenic variants early allows for proactive management, including enhanced screening, preventive surgeries, and other risk-reducing strategies.
When there is a family history, both the Lynch Syndrome and FAP/MAP Panels can help in assessing your inherited colorectal cancer risk. Knowing your genetic status allows for earlier, more personalised interventions, potentially preventing cancer or catching it early when it's easier to treat.
Your doctor will be able to advise if you are eligible for Medicare or not. Pre-test genetic counselling is required prior to undertaking genetic testing.
Talk to your GP about your options, and request an Inherited colorectal cancer syndromes test.
Visit one of our collection centres to get your sample collected.
Your doctor will discuss any relevant findings and advise generic counselling if necessary.
Genomic testing in breast and ovarian cancer can be clinically useful in two main areas:
Understanding inherited cancer risks can help shape medical care for both you and your family.
Genetic counselling involves discussing benefits,limitations and the possible implications of genetic testing. It must becompleted before testing, either with your referring specialist or a qualifiedgenetic counsellor.
Because genetic results can have medical andemotional impacts on both you and your family, national regulations requirecounselling before testing. After counselling, you’ll need to provide informedconsent before proceeding. If you choose not to proceed, you can stop theprocess at this stage.
The BRAoVO panel looks at 13 high and moderate high-risk genes linked to an increased lifetime risk of breast and ovarian cancers, as well as other cancers such as prostate and pancreatic cancer. This includes the well-known BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
The BRAoVO Plus panel expands the analysis to 18 genes, which may be particularly relevant for:
If a specific genetic variant has already been identified in your family, you can choose single variant testing instead of a full panel.
Your results will be sent to your clinician orgenetic counsellor, who will discuss them with you along with the next steps.Possible findings include:
Positive result– also known as ‘Pathogenic variant detected’. This means a gene change wasidentified that is known to increase your cancer risk. It does not mean youwill develop cancer but it may impact your medical management. The result can beshared with your relatives who may then consider testing.
Negative result– also known as ‘No pathogenic variant detected’. This means you do not have aharmful change in any of the genes tested. However, this does not eliminate allcancer risk, as other genetic and non-genetic factors can contribute.
Variant of unknown significance (VUS)detected – this means a gene change was identified however its impact onhereditary cancer risk is not yet understood. This finding will not change yourongoing medical care.
Testing for multiple genes takesapproximately 4 weeks. Testing will only begin once you have completed your pre-testgenetic counselling session.
You may change your mind abouttesting at any stage during the process. If you have paid privately for a testbut decide not to proceed, you may be eligible for a partial refund. Administrative costs may apply.
Please call our Customer Care team on 1800 822 999 to discuss a refund if you do not proceed with testing. Administrative costs may apply.