Is a hereditary cancer panel test done with next-generation sequencing?

A panel test looks at a selected group of genes linked with inherited cancer risk. Next-generation sequencing reads many DNA regions in parallel, making it suitable for testing several genes from blood or another sample. The laboratory then looks for changes that may affect how a gene works.

A result can be positive, negative, or uncertain. A positive finding may support inherited-risk counselling and decisions about screening or risk reduction. A negative result does not always explain a family history, and an uncertain finding is not treated as proof of inherited risk.

Genetic counselling can help clarify which relatives and cancers are relevant, what the panel includes, and what each possible result could mean. Share your personal and family cancer history with the team. After testing, discuss the report with a qualified clinician before making screening or preventive decisions.

Arrange follow-up when your report is available, particularly if it identifies a cancer-risk gene change or an uncertain result. Contact the genetics team if new family information becomes available or if you are unsure whether relatives should be offered counselling. The test itself does not diagnose an existing cancer.

Which genes and changes are included in my panel? What could each result mean for my screening and relatives? Who will explain an uncertain result, and when should the result be reviewed?