Hereditary Cancer test kit (Presentia)
Results ready within 3-4 weeks
UKAS accredited laboratory, ISO 15189.
How it works
Your testing journey
From order to results in four simple steps. Full transparency on where each step happens and what it costs.
Receive your kit by post
Dispatched same working day if ordered before 3pm. Royal Mail Tracked delivery, typically 1–3 working days. 90% of kits arrive within 24 hours.
Collect at home
Everything you need is in the kit. Collect your sample in the privacy of your own home — no appointment needed, no clinic visit.
Included in kit price
Saliva sample at home
Spit into the collection tube until the liquid reaches the indicated line. Seal and post back. About 5 minutes of gentle spitting.
Return by prepaid envelope
Seal your sample in the biohazard bag provided and drop it in any Royal Mail postbox using the prepaid Tracked 24 envelope. Post Monday–Thursday for best results.
Find out if you carry inherited gene mutations that could increase your risk of developing cancer. PreSENTIA is a comprehensive hereditary cancer screening test that analyses the genes linked to various types of cancer—giving you the knowledge to take preventive action early.
Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide, responsible for 1 in 6 deaths globally. While most cancers develop over time due to environmental factors, 5–10% are hereditary—meaning the genetic mutations that cause them can be passed from parents to children. If you or a family member has been diagnosed with cancer, there's a chance other family members carry the same mutation.
The test uses a simple, painless cheek swab—no needles, no blood. PreSENTIA offers 19 different cancer panels, each focusing on specific genes linked to different types of hereditary cancer. Early detection through genetic screening is essential for prevention and effective clinical management.
Why Choose PreSENTIA?
- 19 specialised cancer panels – Choose the panel most relevant to your family history
- Simple cheek swab – Painless collection, no needles, no blood
- Identify inherited risk – Know if you carry mutations linked to hereditary cancers
- Take preventive action – Early knowledge enables proactive health decisions
- Results in 2–3 weeks – From sample arrival at the laboratory
- Family implications – Results can help other family members understand their risk too
What Is Hereditary Cancer?
Cancer develops when certain genes that keep our bodies healthy become mutated. There are two types:
Sporadic cancer: Mutations accumulate over time due to environmental and lifestyle factors. These cannot be inherited.
Hereditary cancer: These mutations exist from birth, run in families, and can be passed from parents to children. They don't always lead to cancer, but they significantly raise the risk of developing it. Hereditary mutations account for 5–10% of all cancers.
If you or a family member has been diagnosed with hereditary cancer or a genetic mutation linked to cancer, there's a high chance other family members carry the same mutation.
Results are available within 2–3 weeks from the sample arriving at the laboratory. Please allow up to 4 weeks to receive your results from the date of purchase.
How It Works
We'll send you a collection kit with buccal swabs (cheek swabs), simple instructions, and a prepaid return envelope. Just swab the inside of your cheek—it's completely painless and takes less than a minute. No needles, no blood, no clinic visit needed.
Your kit includes: Buccal swab collection materials, step-by-step instructions, consent form, and prepaid return envelope.
Who Is This For?
- Anyone with a family history of cancer who wants to understand their inherited risk
- People who have had cancer and want to know if it's hereditary
- Family members of someone diagnosed with a hereditary cancer mutation
- Anyone wanting to take proactive steps for cancer prevention
- People from high-risk populations for specific cancer types
PreSENTIA offers 19 specialised hereditary cancer panels. Each panel focuses on genes linked to specific types of cancer. Choose the panel most relevant to your family history or concerns.
Women's Cancer Panels
Men's Cancer Panels
Digestive System Cancer Panels
Blood Cancer Panels
Other Organ-Specific Panels
See the PreSENTIA Hereditary Cancer Panels PDF in Helpful Resources for the complete list of all 19 panels and the specific genes tested in each.
Good to Know
PreSENTIA is a screening test that identifies whether you carry inherited genetic mutations associated with an increased risk of developing certain cancers. A positive result does not mean you will definitely develop cancer—it means your risk is higher than average.
If your results show you carry a mutation linked to hereditary cancer, your healthcare provider can discuss preventive measures, increased screening, and management options to help reduce your risk.
We strongly recommend discussing your results with a genetic counsellor, oncologist, or your GP. They can help you understand what your results mean and guide you on appropriate next steps for you and your family.
Sample Collection: This test uses a simple saliva sample collected at home. Follow the kit instructions carefully. No fasting required.
Results Timing: Results are typically available within 3-4 weeks. Genetic analysis requires specialist laboratory processing.
Genetic Counselling: We strongly recommend discussing your results with a genetic counsellor or specialist, particularly if a mutation is identified. A positive result has implications for cancer screening programmes, preventive options, and may be relevant to other family members.
Positive Result Does Not Mean Cancer: A gene mutation increases risk but does not guarantee cancer development. Many people with mutations never develop cancer, especially with appropriate surveillance and preventive measures.
No clinics, no queues, no hassle
Four steps to clarity
Pick your panel
Browse over 200 clinically designed test kits and choose the one that fits your goals.
Kit to your door
Everything you need arrives in discreet packaging with step-by-step instructions inside.
Collect your sample
Follow the simple instructions in your kit - whether it is a finger-prick at home or a venous draw at a partner clinic, your test page will guide you.
Insights delivered
Clear, easy-to-understand results sent to you online with actionable health guidance.
