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Breast Cancer

Thousands in the UK carry an inherited risk for the most common cancer in women. Personalised genetic testing, expert counselling, and breast cancer screening in UK can help you act early.

Genes Tested:

ATM
BRCA1
BRCA2
CHEK2
HOXB13
MSH2
MSH6
PALB2
PMS2
TP53
NTHL1*
1 in 7

Women in the UK will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, making awareness and early detection especially important.

10%

Up to 10% of breast cancers are caused by inherited gene changes

Variants in genes like BRCA1, BRCA2, and PALB2 can significantly increase the risk of developing breast cancer.

72%

Lifetime risk for women with BRCA1 gene variant

This is compared to a 12–13% average lifetime risk in the general population.

55,000

women and 400 men are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK every year

While it’s much more common in women, men can also carry inherited risks and develop the disease.

What is Breast Cancer?

‍Breast cancer is a disease where cells in the breast grow in an uncontrolled way. These cells can form a lump or tumour, and in some cases, may spread to other parts of the body. Most breast cancers start in the ducts (which carry milk to the nipple) or the lobules (the glands that make milk).

There are several types of breast cancer, and it can affect both women and men—though it's much more common in women. Early detection is key, as breast cancer found at an earlier stage is often easier to treat and has a better outlook.

Should I Consider Genetic Breast Cancer Testing?

If you have a family history of breast cancer, or related cancers such as breast, bowel, or prostate cancer, you may want to consider genetic testing. Certain inherited changes (mutations) in genes like BRCA1, BRCA2, and others can significantly raise the risk of developing breast cancer. Testing can help you understand whether you carry one of these genetic changes, offering important information for your future health and for your family.

You might be at higher risk if you have two or more close relatives who have had breast cancer, if you or a family member were diagnosed at a younger age (under 50), or if you have a known inherited mutation in your family. People of certain ethnic backgrounds, such as those of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, are particularly at higher risk — around 1 in 40 people in this group carry a BRCA mutation, compared to about 1 in 400 in the general population. Knowing your genetic status can open up options for early monitoring, preventative treatments, or risk-reducing surgery.

What are the Symptoms?

  • A lump or swelling in the breast, upper chest, or armpit
  • Change in the size or shape of the breast
  • Skin changes such as dimpling, puckering, or redness
  • A rash or crusting around the nipple
  • Nipple discharge (that’s not breast milk)
  • Nipple turning inwards (inversion)
  • Pain in the breast or armpit
  • A change in the appearance or feel of the nipple or breast

Not all lumps are cancerous, but it’s important to get any changes checked by a doctor. Early detection can make a big difference.

What are the causes?

Breast cancer can be caused by a combination of factors. These include age (risk increases as you get older), hormonal factors, lifestyle choices, and exposure to certain environmental risks. However, in many cases, there’s no single known cause. Around 5–10% of breast cancers are due to inherited genetic changes. If you have a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer, you may carry a variant in a gene such as BRCA1, BRCA2, or PALB2, which can significantly increase your risk. Genetic testing can help identify this inherited risk and guide decisions around screening and prevention.

What other tests are available?

The most common test for detecting breast cancer is a mammogram, which is an X-ray of the breast. It can pick up changes in breast tissue before a lump can be felt. In the UK, women aged 50 to 70 are routinely invited for NHS breast screening every three years, although younger women at high risk may be offered screening earlier.Other tests include ultrasound scans, breast MRI, and biopsies—where a small sample of tissue is taken to be examined under a microscope. If you’re concerned about inherited risk, genetic testing can look for gene variants linked to breast cancer and help you understand your long-term risk.

How is it treated?

Treatment for breast cancer depends on the type, stage, and whether the cancer has spread. Common treatments include surgery to remove the cancer, radiotherapy to destroy any remaining cancer cells, and chemotherapy to target cancer throughout the body. Some women may also be offered hormone therapy or targeted therapy, depending on the cancer's characteristics.

In cases of hereditary breast cancer, treatment plans may also include discussions around preventative options, such as risk-reducing surgery (e.g. double mastectomy), particularly if a high-risk gene is involved. Your care team will work with you to choose the best treatment approach for your situation, focusing on both effectiveness and quality of life.

Disclaimer! The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is based on NHS recommendations. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider for advice on medical conditions or treatments.

Genetic
Counselling

Cancer Panel options

Cancer Screening

Turnaround

17

-

21

days

Variants
50
Book £
660

Breast Cancer Screening

Turnaround

17

-

21

days

Variants
13
Book £
660

Prostate Cancer Screening

Turnaround

17

-

21

days

Variants
11
Book £
660

Ovarian Cancer Screening

Turnaround

17

-

21

days

Variants
13
Book £
660

Colorectal Cancer Screening

Turnaround

17

-

21

days

Variants
14
Book £
660

Pancreatic Cancer Screening

Turnaround

17

-

21

days

Variants
11
Book £
660

Endometrial Cancer Screening

Turnaround

17

-

21

days

Variants
7
Book £
660

BRCA Testing

Turnaround

17

-

21

days

Variants
2
Book £
660

Melanoma Skin Cancer Testing

Turnaround

17

-

21

days

Variants
5
Book £
660

Type of Cancers

Read More

Type of Cancers

Type of Cancers

We offer expert advice and testing for a range of genes that may increase your risk of developing certain types of cancer.

View Full Gene List

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for genetic testing for breast cancer?

At Jeen, genetic testing for breast cancer is available to anyone who wants to better understand their inherited risk, especially if you have a personal or family history of breast, ovarian, or related cancers.

You don’t need a referral, and there’s no strict checklist to meet. Even if you feel healthy, testing can reveal gene changes you wouldn’t otherwise know about. Our expert team will guide you through your eligibility during your consultation, helping you decide if testing is right for you.

Is it worth getting genetic testing for breast cancer?

Genetic testing for breast cancer is worth it because it gives you answers you can act on. Inherited gene changes can raise your risk, even without symptoms or a family history.

Knowing about them early means you can take steps to reduce that risk, from increased screening to prevention. With Jeen, you get results you can trust. It’s not just a test, it’s a way to take charge of your health and future.

What genetic testing is done for breast cancer?

Genetic testing for breast cancer looks for inherited changes, called mutations,in genes that can raise your risk. The most well-known are BRCA1 and BRCA2, which help repair DNA.

If they’re not working properly, your chance of developing breast or ovarian cancer goes up. At Jeen, we also test for other important genes like PALB2, CHEK2, and TP53. Finding these changes can help guide your screening, prevention, or treatment options.

Who should get genetic testing for breast cancer?

You should consider genetic testing if you have a family history of breast, ovarian, or related cancers, especially if they were diagnosed at a young age. It’s also recommended if a relative has a known BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation, or if multiple family members on one side have had cancer. At Jeen, our team helps you understand if testing is right for you. Even if your family history isn’t obvious, hidden risk can still be there, and testing brings clarity.

When should you get genetic testing for breast cancer?

You should consider genetic testing for breast cancer if you notice any unusual lumps or changes in your breast tissue, or if breast or ovarian cancer runs in your family, especially if diagnosed under age 50 or affecting multiple relatives It’s also worth it if a close relative has a known BRCA mutation.

But you don’t need a strong family history to benefit from these tests. At Jeen, we offer at-home testing and expert support to help you decide the right time, whether you’re planning proactively or following up on your family history.

Are at-home breast cancer genetic tests reliable?

Jeen's at-home breast cancer tests are just as accurate as hospital-based ones. We work with accredited lab, Fulgent Genetics, that use advanced 50x DNA sequencing to spot inherited risks. You’ll also get expert support from our genetic counsellors, who guide you through your results clearly and compassionately: before, during and after testing. It’s trusted, clinical-grade care, all from the comfort of home.

How accurate is genetic testing for breast cancer?

Jeen’s breast cancer genetic testing is built for clinical accuracy. We use high-depth DNA sequencing to detect meaningful inherited changes, not just any variation. Every result is carefully reviewed by experts and clearly explained by our genetic counsellors, so you know exactly what it means for your health.

With trusted technology and personalised support, your results are accurate, reliable, and easy to understand from the comfort of home.

How often is breast cancer screening done?

In the UK, most people are invited for NHS breast screening every three years from age 50 to 53 until one turns 71. But if you have a higher genetic risk like a BRCA mutation, you may need annual screening, starting earlier. That’s where genetic testing comes in. It helps uncover inherited risks so your screening plan can be personalised, not one-size-fits-all. With the right insight, you can take steps to protect your health sooner.

Is breast cancer genetic testing covered by the NHS or private healthcare?

Breast cancer genetic testing is available on the NHS if you meet certain criteria like a strong family history. Your GP or specialist can refer you to a genetic counselling service, but NHS testing may be limited to key genes and involve longer wait times.

Private genetic testing, like Jeen’s, is available without referral, offers broader gene panels, and delivers faster results. We provide clear pricing and expert guidance, so you can take control without delay.

How much does genetic testing for breast cancer cost?

Jeen’s genetic testing for breast cancer is priced at £660. This all-inclusive cost covers your at-home DNA kit, lab analysis using high-depth 50x sequencing, and a personalised consultation with one of our expert genetic counsellors.

The test analyses 50 carefully chosen genes, each backed by strong scientific evidence linked to prostate cancer risk. You’ll get accurate insights into your inherited risk and support to help you decide on next steps with no extra charges or referrals needed.

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