Better2Know provides private genetic testing for those who are concerned about hereditary conditions such as cancer or heart disease. Our confidential services are designed to tailor to give you the peace of mind you deserve with regards to your personal health. You will be asked to attend a compulsory counselling session with one of our dedicated doctors before your test, and your results are fully supported by a genealogist.
What is Genetic Testing?
Genetic testing is important for identifying whether you are at risk of developing common hereditary diseases or conditions. It enables early detection and management of potential future health issues.
A sample of saliva will be used for testing. Genetic testing does not provide a diagnosis. Your results will detail whether you have any specific gene mutations that are linked to an increased risk of developing conditions such as heart disease or cancer.
Genetic Testing for Cancer
Hereditary cancer is caused by an inherited genetic mutation, and it is common to see a recurring pattern across 2 to 3 generations. Detecting cancer earlier helps you to receive treatment as soon as possible – improving the odds of survival.
The 5-year survival rates for the cancers covered by our genetic test increase if they are caught earlier and at a more treatable stage. Better2Know’s genetic cancer test looks for 30 genes that are associated with a heightened risk of 8 different types of cancer, including:
- Breast
- Colorectal
- Melanoma
- Pancreatic
- Ovarian
- Prostate
- Stomach
- Uterine
Below is a table of the genes we will test for that are linked to a higher chance of developing certain cancers:
You should consider genetic cancer testing depending on factors such as:
- One or more family members have had genetic testing and found a mutation.
- You have any first-degree relatives with cancer. For example, your mother, father, sisters or brothers.
- A number of family members on one side of your family have been diagnosed with the same type of cancer.
- One of your family members has been diagnosed with more than 1 type of cancer.
- A relative has had cancer at a younger age than normal for that specific type of cancer.
- Close family members have cancers that are associated with hereditary cancer syndromes.
- A relative has been diagnosed with a rare type of cancer, such as breast cancer in a man or retinoblastoma (a type of eye cancer).
- Your ethnicity. For example, Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry is linked to ovarian and breast cancers.
- You are exhibiting physical symptoms that are linked to an inherited cancer, such as having many colon growths.
Genetic Cardiac Testing
Better2Know’s genetic cardiac test will look for 77 genes associated with inherited heart conditions. Genetic cardiac testing helps to identify conditions such as high cholesterol, as well as many other potential health issues that can be evaluated and treated to avoid further progression of the condition. Some hereditary diseases are treated differently to those that are not caused by genetics, which means it is important to know if you are at risk.
Early detection helps you to understand your personal health risks so that you can put in place effective interventions and preventative measures. Better2Know’s genetic cardiac test covers genes linked to:
- Cardiomyopathies (disease of the heart muscle)
- Arrhythmias (disease of the heart rhythm)
- Aortopathies (disease of the aorta)
- Familial Hypercholesterolemia (inherited high cholesterol disorder)
- Thrombophilia (abnormal tendency to develop blood clots)
Genetic cardiac testing is recommended if you are worried about or have been diagnosed with:
- Unexplained arrhythmia
- Cardiomyopathy
- Sudden and unexplained cardiac arrest
- Conditions that affect the aorta
- Hypercholesterolemia
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Congenital heart disease
Combined Cancer and Cardiac Testing
Better2Know’s combined cancer and cardiac test combines testing for all the genes previously mentioned with additional tests for other genes that are also linked to causing cardiac or cancer-related conditions.
Additional cancer gene tests:
- BRCA1 & BRCA2: 2 Genes that significantly affect your risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
- Lynch Syndrome: 5 genes that influence your risk of colon and uterine cancer, as well as many others.
- 23 additional genes that give a detailed insight of your personal risk for breast, ovarian, uterine, colon, prostate, melanoma and pancreatic cancers.
Additional cardiac gene tests:
- Hereditary High Cholesterol (FH): 3 genes linked to a genetic form of high cholesterol.
- 27 additional genes linked to inherited heart conditions.
Better2Know’s combined testing option also looks for 2 genes that might influence how your body processes specific medications for mental health conditions. These include:
- Amitriptyline
- Citalopram
- Clomipramine
- Desipramine
- Doxepin
- Duloxetine
- Escitalopram
- Fluvoxamine
- Imipramine
- Nortriptyline
- Paroxetine
- Sertraline
- Trimipramine
Knowing more about your genotype can help reduce adverse drug reactions or therapeutic failure so you can receive the treatment you need as soon as possible.
Genetic Testing Process
Your pre-test consultation session will be with an experienced Better2Know doctor who will discuss the implications of any results. You will then receive a genetic testing kit through the post where you will find a saliva tube, detailed instructions on how to collect your sample, a blue cap, a pre-paid return envelope, and a plastic bag. All you need to do is provide a single saliva sample for testing; you are advised to refrain from eating, chewing gum, drinking or smoking for at least 30 minutes beforehand. After you have collected your sample, please use the pre-paid envelope provided to send it to Better2Know’s fully certified laboratory for testing.
Once your sample has been tested, your results will be sent to a trained clinician for interpretation. You will receive your results within 3 to 4 weeks after your sample has arrived at our laboratory. Better2Know will contact you when all your results are ready to report.
If you receive a positive result, Better2Know will help you arrange an appointment with one of our expert specialists who will explain and discuss what your results mean for you. You will then receive advice on the most appropriate next steps which may include further screening or an onward referral. Alternatively, you can take your results to your own healthcare provider – if you prefer.
Even if your results are negative, this does not mean you will never develop the related health issues. However, genetic testing can reduce the psychological impact of your concerns, as well as help you make informed decisions on necessary precautions for your future health.
Is Genetic Testing worth it?
Better2Know’s genetic testing provides:
- Early detection of potential health issues developing
- Enables preventative measures to be taken
- Proactive care for your personal health
By providing an in-depth insight into your health, genetic testing highlights potential areas of your health where you are most at risk of complications arising. With this knowledge, you can take action and work with your doctor to create a personalised screening or prevention plan which can help you reduce the risk of developing a disease or heart condition.
Order your Genetic Test now
Buy your private genetic test with Better2Know today by phoning the number listed above. Alternatively, visit our shop to add our genetic testing kit to your basket and proceed to payment now. If you have any additional questions, you can speak to one of our experienced advisors on the phone, or message any queries using Better2Know’s anonymous live chat.