Hereditary Cancer Test in India: Cost, Coverage & How It Works

A hereditary cancer test in India looks at the inherited genes you carry, such as BRCA1, BRCA2 and Lynch syndrome genes, to estimate whether you have a higher-than-average risk of certain cancers. It is not a cancer diagnosis. At Meridian, an NGS panel costs around ₹15,000, with a report in about 14 working days and a free doctor consultation.

What the test covers

Modern hereditary cancer testing uses a multi-gene panel rather than checking one gene at a time. A single sample is sequenced for a set of well-established cancer-risk genes, typically including:

• BRCA1 / BRCA2 / PALB2: breast and ovarian cancer risk.
• MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2: Lynch syndrome (colorectal, uterine and related cancers).
• Additional genes such as TP53 and CDH1 depending on the panel.

This is germline testing, it reads the inherited DNA present in every cell, which is why a blood or saliva sample is enough. It is different from tumour testing, which analyses a cancer that already exists.

How much it costs in India

Panel pricing has fallen sharply as NGS has matured, making testing far more accessible than the older, single-gene tests that once cost more and told you less.

Who benefits most

The test is most useful when there is a real family signal, not for everyone. Consider it if you have:

• Multiple close relatives with the same or related cancers.
• A relative diagnosed young (for example breast or colon cancer under ~50).
• A known cancer-risk variant already identified in your family.

If your family history is unremarkable, a meaningful finding is unlikely, worth discussing with a doctor before testing so your expectations are realistic.

How the process works

1. Consultation: a doctor reviews your family history to check whether testing is likely to help.
2. Sample: a simple blood or saliva sample is collected.
3. Sequencing: the panel is analysed by NGS in a CAP-grade lab.
4. Report: in about 14 working days, you receive a clinician-explained result.
5. Discussion: a free consultation walks you through what it means and any next steps.

Reading your result honestly

A hereditary cancer risk screen can come back three ways: a pathogenic variant (higher inherited risk, a reason to plan screening with a doctor), negative (no known harmful variant, though ordinary population risk remains), or a variant of uncertain significance (an unclear change that is generally not acted on and may be reclassified later).

None of these is a diagnosis. Screening and prevention decisions always belong with your clinical team, which is why every Meridian test includes a doctor consultation rather than leaving you to interpret a report alone.