Hereditary Breast & Ovarian Cancer Gene Test
Assess lifetime hereditary risk for breast and ovarian cancer by identifying high-risk gene variants, so that screening, prevention planning and family risk management can be discussed earlier with a doctor.
The test covers 29 genes associated with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. Results are intended for hereditary risk assessment rather than cancer diagnosis, and should be interpreted by medical professionals together with personal and family history.
Understanding Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer
Breast cancer is one of the common cancers affecting women in Hong Kong. On average, 1 in 14 women in Hong Kong will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. Around 5-10% of breast cancers and 10-15% of ovarian cancers are hereditary.
Women with breast cancer-related gene variants may have around 10 times higher breast cancer risk than the general population, while women with ovarian cancer-related variants may have around 50 times higher ovarian cancer risk. Earlier risk awareness supports more focused medical follow-up.
What does the test cover?
The panel covers 29 genes associated with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer: AR, ATM, ATRIP, BARD1, BMPR1A, BRCA1, BRCA2, BRIP1, CDH1, CHEK2, EPCAM, ESR1, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, MUTYH, NBN, NF1, PALB2, PMS2, PPM1D, PTEN, RAD51C, RAD51D, RAD54L, RRAS2, STK11, TP53 and XRCC2.
The test includes DNA sequencing, SNP and indel variant calling, and variant annotation. Variant classification may change as medical knowledge develops, and not all variants are necessarily included in the report.
- Purpose: hereditary risk assessment, not cancer diagnosis
- Analysis: DNA sequencing, SNP / indel variant calling and variant annotation
- Accuracy: DNA sequencing 99.9%; SNP / indel variant calling >99%; variant annotation 100%
Who Should Consider Testing?
People with a family history of breast cancer, ovarian cancer or other suspected hereditary cancers may consider testing to understand whether they carry high-risk variants. If a family member is known to carry a cancer-related variant, testing can help assess whether the same variant may be present.
People already diagnosed with cancer may also discuss testing with their doctor to understand whether hereditary factors may be involved and whether family members may need risk assessment.
If You Are High Risk
- Start breast and ovarian cancer screening earlier.
- Screen more frequently according to medical advice.
- Pay attention to breast, ovarian and related cancer symptoms.
- Discuss options that may help reduce breast and ovarian cancer risk.
If a high-risk variant is found, your doctor may discuss earlier or more frequent breast and ovarian cancer screening, symptom awareness and risk-reduction options. Follow-up should be individualised by a qualified medical professional.
Enquiry & Booking
If you have a family history of cancer, a known familial gene variant, or have been diagnosed with cancer and want to understand whether hereditary factors may be involved, contact Well Clinic.
Contact Us
WhatsApp / WeChat: +852 5292 0089
Address: Room B, 24/F, Lee Tung Building, 9 Li Yuen Street East, Central, Hong Kong