Genetic Tests
Oncogenetics
Around one cancer in ten begins with a mutation someone inherited. Oncogenetic testing identifies that risk, shapes a personalised screening plan, and — after a diagnosis — helps direct treatment towards the therapy most likely to work.
Who it is for
Who should consider oncogenetic testing?
Oncogenetic testing is particularly relevant in four situations, each with a different question to answer.
People with a family history of cancer — breast, ovarian, colorectal, prostate, pancreatic and others — particularly where cancers appeared early or in several relatives.
Patients already diagnosed with cancer, to establish whether the disease has an inherited component and to guide treatment decisions.
First-degree relatives of someone with a known genetic mutation, to find out whether they have inherited the same variant and what risk it carries.
Healthy individuals with no family history who want preventive testing and a personalised screening schedule.
Why it matters
Why is oncogenetic testing important?
Identifies genetic risk early
A healthy person can learn their inherited cancer risk long before any symptom appears, and act preventively while there is still time to do so.
Detects clinically important mutations
Variants in BRCA1, BRCA2, TP53, MLH1 and related genes direct personalised surveillance — earlier and more frequent MRI, mammography or colonoscopy, and risk-reducing surgery where appropriate.
Guides the right cancer treatment
After a diagnosis, genetic results can point the oncologist towards the most effective therapy, reducing adverse effects and improving the chance of success.
Provides clarity and peace of mind
Testing answers long-standing questions about a family's cancer history and replaces uncertainty with a defined plan.
Protects the whole family
Once an inherited mutation is identified, relatives can be tested too — giving them the chance to prevent cancer or detect it far earlier.
Our tests
What oncogenetic tests we offer
From inherited risk panels to comprehensive tumour profiling, each test is selected with a geneticist and, where relevant, with your oncologist.
Extended hereditary cancer panels
Broad germline panels covering the major hereditary cancer syndromes in a single analysis.
- Breast and ovarian cancer
- Colorectal and gastrointestinal cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
Focused hereditary cancer panels
Narrower panels selected when the family or clinical picture points to a specific tumour type.
- Pancreatic and neuroendocrine tumours
- Skin cancer, including melanoma predisposition
- Digestive and gastric syndromes
- Renal cancer predisposition
BRCA1 and BRCA2 testing
The core test for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer risk, in women and in men.
- Full sequencing and large rearrangement analysis
- Risk figures explained in plain language
- Risk-reducing options discussed with a geneticist
- Cascade testing offered to relatives
Lynch syndrome testing
Analysis of the mismatch repair genes underlying the most common inherited colorectal cancer syndrome.
- MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2 and EPCAM
- Colorectal, endometrial and urinary tract risk
- Earlier and more frequent colonoscopy schedule
- Family cascade testing pathway
Targeted somatic mutation testing
Analysis of mutations within the tumour itself, to orient treatment for patients under oncological care.
- Actionable mutations identified in tumour tissue
- Supports selection of targeted therapy
- Performed alongside the treating oncologist
- Reported with therapeutic context, not just data
Comprehensive somatic genomic profiling
Extended tumour panels used to establish eligibility for targeted therapies or for enrolment in currently available clinical trials.
- Broad profiling of the tumour genome
- Eligibility assessment for precision medicine
- Clinical trial matching where relevant
- Interpretation by a multidisciplinary team
Good to know: An oncogenetic result rarely concerns one person alone. When an inherited mutation is confirmed, we help you share it with relatives and arrange cascade testing, so the whole family can benefit from earlier screening.
Timing
When is testing recommended?
Testing is most valuable at the points where the result can still change what happens next.
A personal or family history suggestive of cancer
- Cancer in several relatives, or at an unusually young age
- The same or related cancers across generations
After a cancer diagnosis
- To establish whether the cancer is linked to an inherited mutation
- To inform surveillance for the patient and for the family
Before starting oncological treatment
- Tumour profiling to select targeted therapy
- Assessment of eligibility for precision medicine or clinical trials
For relatives, and for prevention
- First-degree relatives of a known mutation carrier
- Healthy individuals who want to know their cancer predisposition
Why us
Why choose Hilmi Lab?
Counselling at both ends
A genetic consultation before testing to define what is worth testing, and another afterwards to explain what the result means for you and your family.
Expert interpretation
Every result is reviewed and reported by experienced consultant geneticists and discussed at our molecular tumour board where relevant.
Wide collection network
Sample collection across our centres and partner sites in London, Bucharest and Munich.
Complete confidentiality
Full GDPR compliance, with results delivered securely to your private portal.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between germline and somatic testing?
Germline testing looks at the DNA you inherited and were born with, which determines lifetime cancer risk and can be passed to children. Somatic testing analyses mutations that arose within a tumour, and is used to choose treatment.
Does a mutation mean I will definitely develop cancer?
No. An inherited mutation raises risk, sometimes substantially, but it is not a diagnosis. Its practical value is that it allows earlier, more frequent screening and, where appropriate, risk-reducing measures.
I have cancer already — is testing still useful?
Yes. It can reveal a hereditary cause relevant to your relatives, and tumour profiling may identify mutations that make you eligible for a targeted therapy or a clinical trial.
Should my relatives be tested if a mutation is found in me?
First-degree relatives are usually offered cascade testing. Because the specific variant is already known, their test is straightforward and gives a clear yes or no answer.
I have no family history of cancer. Is testing worth it?
It can be. A significant proportion of mutation carriers have no striking family history, and preventive testing supports a personalised screening plan rather than a generic one.
Is genetic counselling included?
Yes. Counselling before and after testing is part of every oncogenetics pathway at Hilmi Lab, in English, Romanian and German.
Next step
Book your genetic consultation
Speak with a clinical geneticist about inherited cancer risk, tumour profiling and the screening plan that follows from your result.