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OncoShield Comprehensive Hereditary Cancer Panel | Redcliffe Labs
OncoShield is a comprehensive hereditary cancer panel that analyses 200 genes from a si...Read more
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1 Test Parameters
Oncocliffe Hereditary Cancer Gene Panel
1 PARAMETER INCLUDED
1 PARAMETER INCLUDED
- Oncocliffe Hereditary Cancer Gene Panel
OncoShield – Comprehensive Hereditary Cancer Risk Panel (Germline Test)
Genes carry instructions that control cell growth and repair, and you inherit them from both biological parents. A harmful change in a cancer-related gene may reduce the body’s ability to control abnormal cell growth or repair damaged DNA, and this change can increase the chance of one or more cancers.
Doctors call an inherited change a germline variant. Germline variants remain present throughout life, and a person may pass some of them to biological children. Cancer itself does not pass from parent to child, but a genetic predisposition can.
The OncoShield – Comprehensive Hereditary Cancer Risk Panel analyses 200 genes from a single blood sample and looks for germline, or inherited, variants linked to cancer susceptibility. The result can support earlier risk assessment, informed screening, and genetic counselling for you and your family.
Please note: this is a risk-assessment test, not a cancer detection test. It does not diagnose cancer and cannot confirm whether you will develop it. It identifies inherited variants that may raise your risk, so that you and your doctor can plan screening accordingly.
Test Details
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Test Name | OncoShield – Comprehensive Hereditary Cancer Risk Panel (200 Genes) |
| Also Known As | Comprehensive Hereditary Cancer Panel, 200-Gene Hereditary Cancer Panel, Multi-Gene Hereditary Cancer Panel, Hereditary Cancer Predisposition Test, Cancer Genetic Testing |
| Test Type | Germline (inherited) genetic testing for cancer predisposition |
| Genes Analysed | 200 cancer-associated genes |
| Sample Type | Blood |
| Fasting Required | Not required |
| Result Type | Qualitative |
| Home Sample Collection | Available across eligible service areas |
| Recommended Consultation | Genetic counselling advised before and after testing |
Purpose of the OncoShield – Comprehensive Hereditary Cancer Risk Panel
The purpose of the OncoShield panel is to identify inherited genetic changes that may increase a person’s susceptibility to certain cancers. The test analyses 200 cancer-associated genes from a single blood sample and looks for germline variants — genetic changes present from birth that may pass from one generation to another.
The test aims to:
- Identify pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants associated with hereditary cancer syndromes.
- Estimate whether a person has a higher inherited risk of developing specific cancers.
- Help doctors develop a personalised screening plan, which may include earlier, more frequent or additional screening.
- Support informed decisions about preventive measures and long-term risk management.
- Help people already diagnosed with cancer understand whether an inherited variant may have contributed to their condition.
- Guide the monitoring of second or related cancers and, in selected cases, support treatment decisions.
- Identify family members who may benefit from targeted or cascade genetic testing.
- Support genetic counselling and informed family-planning discussions.
What Does the OncoShield Panel Check?
The OncoShield panel analyses 200 cancer-related genes from a blood sample to identify germline variants inherited from one or both parents. It checks for genetic changes linked to an increased risk of cancers such as:
- Breast and ovarian cancer
- Colorectal and endometrial cancer
- Prostate and pancreatic cancer
- Stomach, kidney and other hereditary cancers
- Hereditary cancer syndromes, depending on the genes included
The report may classify results as positive, negative or a variant of uncertain significance (VUS). It can help guide personalised screening, preventive care, genetic counselling and testing for blood relatives.
Preparation Required for the Test
The test usually does not require fasting. You can generally eat, drink, and take your prescribed medicines as usual unless your doctor gives different instructions.
Before providing the sample, inform the healthcare provider if you:
- Have undergone a bone marrow or stem-cell transplant
- Have recently received a blood transfusion
- Have a blood disorder or bleeding condition
- Take blood-thinning medicines
- Are undergoing cancer treatment
- Have previously undergone genetic testing
Also remember to:
- Share your cancer history, treatment details and other medical conditions.
- Tell the healthcare team about any blood cancer or clonal blood disorder.
- Continue your prescribed medicines and cancer treatment unless your doctor advises otherwise.
A stem-cell or bone marrow transplant can affect germline testing from blood, because the collected blood cells may contain donor DNA. In such cases, the laboratory may recommend another suitable specimen.
Procedure of the OncoShield – Comprehensive Hereditary Cancer Risk Panel
- A doctor or genetic counsellor reviews your medical and family history.
- A trained phlebotomist collects a small blood sample from a vein, usually in your arm, cleaning the collection area with an antiseptic and using a sterile, single-use needle.
- The collection usually takes only a few minutes. You may feel a brief prick as the needle enters the vein.
- The collection team stores and transports the sample according to the laboratory’s requirements.
- Laboratory professionals separate and extract genomic DNA from the white blood cells in the sample, then assess the quantity and quality of the extracted DNA.
- The laboratory analyses the DNA for germline variants across the 200 genes included in the OncoShield panel.
Who Should Take the OncoShield Panel?
- People diagnosed with cancer at a young age: Cancer diagnosed earlier than expected, especially before age 50, may indicate an inherited cancer risk. A doctor may recommend this panel to investigate possible genetic causes.
- People with multiple primary cancers: Developing two or more separate cancers may suggest an inherited cancer syndrome. The test can identify variants associated with susceptibility to different cancer types.
- People diagnosed with certain cancers: Individuals with ovarian, pancreatic, male breast, triple-negative breast, metastatic prostate or early-onset colorectal cancer may benefit from testing, as these cancers have a stronger association with inherited variants.
- People with a strong family history of cancer: Testing may help when several blood relatives have had cancer, particularly at younger ages or across multiple generations. Family history from both the mother’s and father’s sides is important.
- Relatives of someone with a known genetic variant: Blood relatives of a person with a confirmed cancer-related variant may carry the same genetic change. A doctor may recommend targeted testing or a broader panel based on the family’s results.
- People with different cancers in the same family: A family history involving breast, ovarian, colorectal, pancreatic, prostate or other cancers may point to overlapping hereditary syndromes. A 200-gene panel can examine several possible genetic causes together.
- People with rare cancers or unusual features: Rare cancers, bilateral cancers, multiple colorectal polyps, or cancer occurring at an uncommon age may suggest inherited susceptibility.
- People with negative or inconclusive previous tests: Updated testing may help if an earlier test analysed only a few genes or used older technology. The broader panel may identify variants that previous testing did not cover.
- People already diagnosed with cancer: Testing can reveal whether an inherited variant may have contributed to the cancer, which may support future screening, treatment discussions, and risk assessment for relatives.
- People planning a family: Individuals with a known genetic variant or strong family history may consider testing before pregnancy. Genetic counselling can explain inheritance patterns and available family-planning options.
When Should You Take the OncoShield Panel?
- After a cancer diagnosis: When doctors diagnose cancer at a young age, identify multiple primary cancers, or find a cancer commonly associated with inherited variants.
- Before starting certain cancer treatments: Doctors may recommend germline testing when the result could influence treatment selection or surgical planning.
- When several relatives have had cancer: Consider testing if cancer affects multiple blood relatives, multiple generations, or both paired organs, such as both breasts.
- When cancer occurs unusually early: Testing may help when you or a family member develops cancer earlier than typically expected, such as colorectal cancer before age 50.
- After a relative receives a positive genetic result: Seek genetic counselling if a blood relative has a pathogenic or likely pathogenic cancer-related variant.
- Before planning a pregnancy: Consider testing if you or your partner has a known hereditary cancer variant or a strong family history.
- After an older or limited genetic test: Consider this panel if previous testing examined only a few genes or did not explain a strong cancer pattern in the family.
Consult a doctor or genetic counsellor before and after testing to understand its benefits, limitations and possible outcomes.
Interpretation of Test Results
The OncoShield panel provides a qualitative genetic result. The laboratory interprets the variants found across the 200 genes using clinical evidence, and generally classifies them as pathogenic, likely pathogenic, uncertain, likely benign or benign, following recognised genetic-variant classification standards.
| Result | What It Means | Possible Next Step |
|---|---|---|
| Positive | A pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant was identified | Genetic counselling, personalised screening and family testing |
| Negative | No reportable harmful variant was identified in the genes analysed | Continue screening based on personal and family history |
| True negative | A known familial variant was not identified | Risk related to that specific inherited variant usually returns to the general-population level |
| Uninformative negative | No harmful variant was found, but hereditary risk cannot be ruled out | Continue risk-based monitoring and consider future reassessment |
| VUS | A genetic variant was identified, but its effect on cancer risk remains unclear | Do not make major medical decisions based only on a VUS |
| Benign or likely benign | The variant is not expected to increase cancer risk | Usually no action is required for that variant |
1. Positive Result
A positive result means that the laboratory identified a pathogenic or likely pathogenic germline variant in one of the genes analysed. A positive result may help doctors:
- Identify a possible hereditary explanation for a person’s cancer.
- Estimate the person’s risk of developing specific cancers in the future.
- Recommend earlier, additional or more frequent cancer screening.
- Discuss preventive medicines, procedures or surgery when clinically appropriate.
- Assess the risk of developing a second or related cancer.
- Consider whether the result may influence treatment in a person who already has cancer.
- Recommend targeted testing for eligible blood relatives.
2. Negative Result
A negative result means that the laboratory did not identify a reportable pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant in the 200 genes and regions analysed using the available testing method. A negative result does not remove all cancer risk, so continue age-appropriate preventive health checkups and screening based on your personal and family history.
3. Variant of Uncertain Significance (VUS)
A VUS means a genetic change was identified, but current evidence does not clearly show whether it increases cancer risk. Major medical decisions should not be based on a VUS alone. Classifications can change as more evidence becomes available, so ask whether the laboratory issues an update if a VUS is later reclassified.
How Is the OncoShield Report Interpreted?
A doctor or genetic counsellor should interpret the OncoShield result by considering:
- The gene and exact variant identified
- The variant classification
- The cancers associated with that gene
- The estimated level of risk or penetrance
- The person’s age, sex and medical history
- Cancer patterns on both sides of the family
- The test’s technical coverage and limitations
- Current cancer-screening and risk-management guidelines
Based on this, the healthcare provider may recommend personalised screening, preventive care, additional testing, or targeted testing for family members.
What Are the Risks of the Test?
The blood draw may cause mild pain, bruising or light-headedness. Infection occurs rarely. The test does not use radiation.
Genetic testing can also have emotional and practical implications. It may cause anxiety, reveal information relevant to relatives, or produce uncertain findings, and it raises questions about consent, privacy and data sharing. A negative result may also create false reassurance if a person then ignores family history or routine screening. Genetic counselling can help you work through these concerns before and after testing.
Why Do Doctors Recommend the Test?
Doctors may recommend the OncoShield panel to:
- Clarify a possible hereditary cancer syndrome
- Create a gene-specific screening plan
- Start screening earlier when guidelines support it
- Discuss suitable risk-reducing options
- Consider selected treatment or surgical choices
- Identify adult relatives who may benefit from testing
- Support family-planning decisions
A doctor should weigh the test’s benefits, limitations and possible effect on care before recommending it.
Factors That Can Affect OncoShield Results or Interpretation
Food, exercise and everyday stress do not change inherited DNA. However, the following factors may affect the report:
- Test scope: The panel reports only the genes, regions and variant types covered by its method.
- Sample quality: Poor collection, transport or DNA quality may prevent complete analysis.
- Recent transfusion: Donor cells may interfere with a blood-based result.
- Stem-cell or bone marrow transplant: Blood may reflect the donor’s DNA rather than your own.
- Blood cancer or clonal blood disorder: Changes acquired in blood cells can complicate interpretation, and a complete blood count may be reviewed alongside the panel.
- Family history: Incomplete information can limit clinical risk assessment.
Share your complete medical history before collection so the laboratory can choose a suitable sample type.
Why Choose Redcliffe Labs for OncoShield?
Redcliffe Labs offers a wide test menu of more than 3,600 tests and supports home sample collection across eligible service areas in India. Trained professionals follow defined collection and transport processes to protect sample quality — which matters especially for genetic testing, where DNA quality directly affects whether the analysis can be completed.
Redcliffe Labs also supports care beyond the report, through Smart Reports with trends and actionable insights, expert-led report consultation, an AI Health Assistant, and goal-based personalised improvement plans. Availability of these value-added services may differ for specialised genetic tests, so please check which ones apply when you book OncoShield.
How to Book the OncoShield Test with Redcliffe Labs
- Visit the Redcliffe Labs website or mobile app.
- Search for the OncoShield panel.
- Enter your city or PIN code.
- Review the price, preparation and turnaround time.
- Discuss the test with your doctor or genetic counsellor.
- Provide the required clinical and family history details.
- Select an available collection option and complete the booking.
- Review the report with a qualified professional.
What Should You Do After Receiving the Report?
- Do not change your screening schedule or treatment on your own.
- Discuss the result with a genetic counsellor or a doctor trained in cancer genetics.
- Ask what the finding means for your actual risk and your screening schedule.
- Continue age-appropriate screening even after a negative result.
- Ask whether adult blood relatives need targeted testing.
- Keep the report safely for future consultations.
- Ask whether the laboratory provides updates if a VUS is later reclassified.
Related Tests and Health Checkups
| Test / Package Name | Why It May Be Relevant |
|---|---|
| Haemogram (CBC + ESR) | Baseline blood counts, often reviewed alongside genetic testing |
| Liver Function Test (LFT) | Commonly included in ongoing monitoring plans |
| Kidney Function Test (KFT) | Commonly included in ongoing monitoring plans |
| Smart Full Body Checkup | General preventive screening to continue alongside risk-based monitoring |
Book Your OncoShield – Comprehensive Hereditary Cancer Risk Panel Today
The OncoShield – Comprehensive Hereditary Cancer Risk Panel analyses 200 genes to help identify inherited variants associated with an increased risk of certain cancers. The results can support personalised screening, preventive planning, genetic counselling, and informed decisions for you and your family. However, the test does not diagnose cancer and cannot predict with certainty whether you will develop it.
Take a proactive step towards understanding your inherited cancer risk. Consult your doctor or genetic counsellor, and book the OncoShield – Comprehensive Hereditary Cancer Risk Panel with Redcliffe Labs today.