What is genetic testing for ovarian cancer?
Genetic testing means taking a test to look for specific gene variants. The test will look for genetic variants that are linked to certain cancers, including ovarian cancer. It's also sometimes called a gene panel test.
There are two main ways that changes in our genes can be linked to cancer. You’re likely to be offered two types of genetic testing:
Germline testing (inherited genetic changes)
This test looks for the genetic changes you were born with. They're in every cell in your body. They're passed down from one of your biological parents and can be passed down to your children. Some inherited changes can increase the risk across your lifetime of developing certain types of cancer, such as ovarian cancer. Find out more about germline testing for inherited genetic changes.Somatic testing
This test looks for the genetic changes that happen in the cancer (tumour) cells. These changes aren’t inherited and can’t be passed on to your children. Finding these changes can help your treatment team understand how the cancer is behaving and which treatments may work best. Find out more about somatic testing (Homologous recombination deficiency).
Why am I offered genetic testing?
When you’re diagnosed with ovarian cancer, your treatment team are likely to offer you both germline and somatic testing. The results will help you and your treatment team to:
decide which treatments may work best for you
find out if there are certain clinical trials that you can join
find out whether your cancer is linked to inherited gene variants and give your family members the option of having a genetic test as well
help monitor your risk of developing other cancers linked to inherited gene variants.
