Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer panel
Screening for inherited gene changes that raise the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, explained by a doctor and a genetic counsellor.
What it measures
Who it's for
Women with a family history of breast, ovarian, prostate or pancreatic cancer, an Ashkenazi Jewish background, or a personal wish to know their inherited risk before deciding on screening and prevention. Adults aged 18 and over.
What you'll learn, and what you won't
About five to ten percent of breast and ovarian cancers are inherited. Finding a change in BRCA1, BRCA2 or one of the other genes on this panel changes what screening you are offered, from what age, and which risk-reducing options are open to you. Most people tested do not carry a change, and a normal result does not remove the risk from other causes. Where you meet the Medicare criteria for testing through a familial cancer clinic, we tell you before you order.
A genetic test is one input to a doctor's assessment, not a diagnosis on its own. If anything needs prompt attention a doctor contacts you directly.
How it works
- Order online. Either use the request your own doctor has signed, or a KnowLuna women's health doctor reviews your details and requests the test.
- Collect the way that suits you: at a centre near you, with a home kit, or a nurse visit (options below). Saliva kit at home or a blood draw. Any time. Once in a lifetime.
- Results are ready about 3 to 4 weeks from the sample reaching the laboratory, explained in your account, with a doctor to talk them through and a genetic counsellor where a result calls for it.
Choose how you collect
Every option is the same accredited test and the same report. Pick what suits you at checkout; the fee, if any, is added to either pathway price.
The kit is posted to you with instructions and a prepaid return satchel. No blood, no appointment. Included.
A quick draw at an accredited pathology collection centre near you. Usually under ten minutes. Included.
A registered nurse comes to your home or workplace for a standard blood draw. Metro areas of capital cities; other locations on request.
Common questions
Can I get this through Medicare instead?
Yes, if you meet the criteria: usually a strong family history or a personal diagnosis, assessed by a familial cancer clinic or specialist. Our questionnaire checks this before you order and tells you plainly if the rebated pathway applies to you.
What happens if a change is found?
A genetic counsellor explains the result and what it means for you and your relatives, and your doctor refers you to a familial cancer service for a screening and prevention plan. Relatives can then be tested for the specific change, which is usually Medicare-rebated.
Will this affect my insurance?
Australian life insurers have a moratorium on using genetic test results below certain cover limits, and the government has committed to legislating a ban. Health insurance is not affected. We explain the current position before you order.
Then decide.