Genetic testing kits 'may wrongly reassure those at risk of cancer'

Consumer testing kits fail to pick up majority of DNA mutations, say researchers

Consumer genetic tests could be giving false reassurance to those at heightened risk of cancers, according to findings presented at an international conference this week.

The study, by clinical genetic testing company Invitae, revealed that tests for breast and bowel cancer risk by direct-to-consumer companies such as 23andMe give negative results to the vast majority of those carrying DNA mutations in the genes under investigation.