Genetic Risk analysis for Bowel Cancer for Men and Women

The Better2Know Genetic Bowel Cancer Risk analysis for men and women will reveal your unique genetic risk for developing bowel cancer during your lifetime. You will receive tailored medical recommendations designed to empower you with effective strategies for prevention and early detection. This analysis uses polygenic risk scoring (PRS) based on hundreds of common genetic variants, giving you the most reliable indicators of bowel cancer risk available.

The Better2Know personalised Genetic Bowel Cancer Risk analysis for men and women will assess your risk for:

• Bowel Cancer

What cancer that this test will assess?

Bowel or colon cancer is cancer found anywhere in the large bowel, the lower part of your intestine which includes the colon and rectum. It's one of the most common types of cancer in the UK affecting 4% of all men and women. Bowel cancer can also be called colon cancer or rectal cancer, depending on where it starts.

Bowel or colon cancer usually starts with the development of small, benign (non-cancerous) growths which are also called polyps. These polyps appear on the inside walls of the bowel or large intestine.

When polyps develop into cancerous growths, certain symptoms may be experienced. These symptoms can include the appearance of blood in the stool, changes in the frequency needing to pass a stool, pain in the abdomen or sudden weight loss not attributable to diet or exercise.

There are a number of factors that can increase your risk of developing bowel or colon cancer. These risks include your age, with most cases being diagnosed in people over the age of 60, family history of bowel cancer, and some genetic conditions that increase the risk of developing bowel cancer.

Incidence of bowel cancer is increasingly diagnosed at a younger age in the UK and in 50% of the cases, is widespread at the time of diagnosis, and thus more difficult to treat. With appropriate preventative measures, over half of these cases can be pre-empted.

Why should I choose personalised prevention?

Every person is different and each of us has our own unique risk profile for developing certain diseases and cancers. This polygenic risk test will determine your personal genetic risk of developing bowel cancer. Inherited genetic mutations are the cause of 5–10% of bowel cancer cases in men and women. Finding out that you have a mutation that increases your risk, enables you and your healthcare provider to develop a personalised plan designed to prevent or detect cancer at an earlier stage.

• Discover your genetic risk level for bowel cancer.
• Powered by clinical-grade, MHRA registered, CE-marked genetic testing from a saliva sample collected at home
• Get personalised guidance on when to start bowel cancer screening and how often
• Learn actionable steps to reduce your risk
• Recommended for men and women aged 40 and above

Take the first step – order your personalised prevention plan today!

The Reality of Bowel Cancer for Men and Women

• Bowel cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths.
• Up to 50% of cancers are preventable with early measures.

We Can Change This – With Personalised Prevention!

Next-Generation Prevention: Tailored to Your Unique Genetic Profile

Personalised bowel cancer prevention with genetic risk assessment provides early warnings, even in individuals with no family history of cancer. Our tests guide you toward tailored screening and prevention strategies based on your unique risk level.

What is a Polygenic Risk Score?

The Polygenic Risk Score (PRS) measures disease risk based on the analysis of hundreds of genetic variants. Our PRS technology calculates the combined effect of these variants to determine your personalised risk score for developing bowel cancer.

• Many cancers result from a combination of multiple genetic factors, making them polygenic.
• Even without a family history of cancer, your polygenic risk may still be significant.
• Incorporating PRS with your background (age, sex, ethnicity), we provide accurate risk assessments and tailored medical advice.

Who should take this test?

• Men and Women aged 40 and above, regardless of family history
• Those who want to be proactive about their health
• Anyone seeking personalised medical prevention strategies

What is the Better2Know Personalised Bowel Cancer Prevention Plan for Men and Women testing process?

Follow these three simple steps to your personalised bowel cancer prevention plan

• Order your test kit today and have it delivered directly to your home.
• Provide a saliva sample using the simple saliva collection kit and return it using the enclosed prepaid envelope.
• Receive your personalised report online within six to eight weeks of returning your sample, complete with clear guidance on your next steps. Each report includes your polygenic risk level, screening recommendations, and lifestyle guidance.

Certified and Trusted Testing with Better2Know

Our tests are fully compliant with all regulatory bodies and are government-approved

• CE-marked medical devices (in vitro diagnostics, IVD)
• Registered in the UK MHRA Registry and EUDAMED database
• Developed using anonymised data from the UK Biobank ensuring high accuracy and applicability

Comprehensive Insights on your genetic risks await you:

• What is your genetic risk level for bowel cancer?
• When should you start screening, and how often?
• Are there additional measures you can take to lower your risk?
• What steps can you take to reduce your likelihood of developing bowel cancer?
• What changes or symptoms should you monitor?
• What should your doctor know?

When will my home testing kit arrive?

If you order before 4pm, Monday to Friday, we can send your bowel cancer panel test on the very same day, by sending your test by First Class Royal Mail.

How will I receive my test results?

You will receive your comprehensive results report around 6–8 weeks once our lab has received your sample.

What should I do with my results?

If your test shows that you are at increased risk of developing bowel cancer, optional genetic counselling can be provided for those identified as being at elevated risk.

How can I order my home test?

You can order your Better2Know personalised bowel cancer prevention plan for men and women by adding the test to your basket and proceeding to payment. You can also call Better2Know on the number displayed at the top of the page. Our team of expert advisors will be able to help you process your order and answer any additional questions you may have. For your convenience, our lines are open 24/7.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long is my saliva sample stable for during transit?

  Saliva samples remain stable for up to 6 months under suitable conditions.

• When will I receive my test results?

  Once your sample is received at the laboratory, results are typically reported within six to eight weeks. If you haven’t received your results after this time, please contact us.

• How will I get my results?

  Your comprehensive report will be sent to you within six to eight weeks of our laboratory receiving your sample. The notification about your results will be sent to the email address you provided. If needed, our medical team will contact you to arrange a convenient time to discuss your results.

• Does this test analyse rare mutations in genes that increase cancer risk?

  No, this bowel cancer test does not assess rare pathogenic mutations in genes such as APC, KRAS, TP53, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, STK11, and MUTYH, which significantly increase the risk of developing colorectal (bowel) cancer.

• Is this test used to diagnose cancer?

  No, this test is designed to assess your genetic predisposition and provide personalised prevention strategies, not diagnose cancer.

• Does an elevated risk mean I will develop cancer?

  No, an elevated risk does not guarantee you will develop cancer. Similarly, a moderate or lower risk does not mean your risk is zero.

• Does this test assess the risk for my family members?

  No, the test evaluates your personal risk. Polygenic risk scores are not directly inherited in a way that can predict risks for relatives.

• What else should I consider alongside my test results?

  Your test results should be interpreted alongside other clinical data. Lifestyle, diet, and other health factors also play a role in cancer risk.