Does clinical genetics perform BRCA genetic testing?

The clinical genetics team reviews your personal and family cancer history before discussing testing. BRCA testing looks for inherited changes in BRCA1 and BRCA2 that may affect cancer risk and care choices. A genetics professional explains what a positive, negative, or uncertain result could mean for you and your relatives. Testing usually uses a blood or saliva sample, but the service will tell you which sample is needed.

Collect details about cancers on both sides of your family, including the cancer type, who was affected, and their age at diagnosis when known. Bring any previous genetic test reports or tumour test results. Before giving a sample, consider whether you want to know about an inherited finding and how you might share relevant information with relatives. The team can also clarify consent, possible result types, and the follow-up attached to each outcome.

Request an assessment if several close relatives have had breast, ovarian, pancreatic, or prostate cancer, if cancer occurred unusually young in your family, or if a relative has a known BRCA change. If you already have cancer, contact your oncology team promptly when a genetic result could influence an upcoming treatment or operation. A genetics appointment is not emergency care; seek urgent medical help for severe or rapidly worsening symptoms.

Ask which family-history details matter, whether BRCA-only testing or a broader panel fits your situation, and what each possible result would change. You can also ask who will receive the report, how relatives can access appropriate assessment, and which screening or risk-reduction conversations may follow.