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Cancer Genetic Testing

People usually consider private cancer genetic testing for one of two very different reasons: to explore whether an inherited change may contribute to a personal or family pattern of cancer, or to add molecular information after cancer has already been diagnosed.

Although both routes examine genes, they answer different questions. Hereditary testing looks for changes present from birth that may be shared within a biological family, while ctDNA testing looks for selected tumour-related changes circulating in the blood.
Choosing the correct route from the outset helps you reach information that is relevant to your circumstances. Use the two routes below to compare their purpose, samples and available tests before moving forward.

Choose the correct cancer testing route

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Hereditary Cancer Testing

Choose this route if you want to explore selected inherited gene changes associated with a higher chance of particular cancers.

You can choose a focused panel for a defined cancer type or syndrome, or a broader panel covering several cancer groups. The result can provide useful information for conversations about screening, prevention and biological relatives.
Explore hereditary cancer tests
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ctDNA Testing and Monitoring

Choose this route only after a confirmed cancer diagnosis and when your oncology team is leading the testing decision.

ctDNA testing looks for selected tumour-related changes in the blood. It can add molecular information to pathology, scans and treatment history once your oncology team has defined the question and selected the panel.
Explore ctDNA monitoring

Inherited risk and tumour monitoring answer different questions

The simplest way to separate these routes is to look at where the genetic change comes from. An inherited, or germline, change is present from birth and may be shared through a biological family. By contrast, a tumour-related, or somatic, change develops within cancer cells. As a result, a hereditary panel cannot replace tumour profiling, and a ctDNA monitor is not a general screen for cancer risk.
If you have a new symptom or health concern, seek medical assessment rather than waiting for a private genetic test. If you already have a cancer diagnosis, your oncology team should select and interpret any ctDNA test.
We always recommend that results are discussed with your Healthcare Professional.

Need help finding the correct route?

If you are unsure whether you need inherited-risk testing or ctDNA monitoring, contact us. We can explain the purpose, samples and available panel groups for each route.

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