Yes, it is easy. We will post a saliva collection kit and a return envelope to your home via Postnord. You simply spit saliva into the collection tube. If you need help, instructions are enclosed in the kit. Once you have collected saliva, you place the kit in the return envelope, which has a paid return label. You can then drop off the envelope at any Postnord service point.

The only other thing you need to do is to provide your details and our family’s medical history. The tools on our website will help you easily input the information. It is okay if you don’t provide your family medical history because you don’t know or you prefer not to.

The risk for 10 cancer types is mapped out by using the proven risk models and reference risk estimation data that are recommended in Swedish national guidelines. The below information is used as input to the mapping:

• Your genetic test results. You will find more information in the section ‘What technology is behind the test?’
• Your family medical history. Given the limitation of the current genomic science, your genetic test data alone cannot predict all risks. The family’s medical history contains much hereditary information. In some cases, family history alone can predict hereditary cancer risk. Therefore family medical history is used as part of the input.
• Information on you and your medical history. Personal information such as ethnicity and ancestry roots have an impact on our hereditary risks. Your lifestyle and medical history affect the risk level.

Note that the risks we report are hereditary risks. That is the risk that you inherited from your biological parents.

Eiira premium test uses Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS), the most advanced technology that allows us to read and analyse the complete set of genetic information (DNA) in your genome, consisting of a staggering few billion base pairs. This vast amount of data can be used to identify variations or mutations in a person’s DNA that may affect their health or predispose them to certain diseases. The enormity of the sequencing process and the need for specialised equipment, skilled technicians, and advanced computational tools make whole genome sequencing a costly option compared to other genetic testing methods, such as panel genetic tests typically used by most test providers and hospitals or Whole Exome Sequence (WES) used in Eiira Classic.

WGS can be applied to analyse both germline and somatic DNA, but for Eiira’s hereditary risk assessment, it is performed on a person’s germline DNA. This enables the identification of genetic variations that may increase a person’s risk of developing certain hereditary diseases, such as breast cancer, colon cancer, or cancer types and other diseases, such as heart disease.

Eiira’s test and the inclusion of 43 genes: In our report, we include 43 genes known to cause a highly increased risk of developing cancers. The selection of these 43 genes is based on Swedish National Guidelines. Once the genetic information is obtained through WGS, it is analysed using various computational tools to pinpoint variations or mutations that are associated with increased risk for particular diseases. These findings are then utilised to provide personalised recommendations for disease prevention, early detection, and treatment.

The advantage of staying updated without taking another test: A unique advantage of using germline DNA for WGS is that it remains the same during a person’s lifetime. As a result, you do not need to take another genetic test for your whole genome data. This allows you to stay up-to-date with the latest genomic science and cancer prevention measures without the need for additional testing. As new advancements are constantly being discovered, you can enjoy the benefits of these breakthroughs without the hassle and expense of undergoing another test.

First of all, we need to understand that the risk is the likelihood of developing cancer:

• Risk is not a diagnosis.
• Some people with high risk never have cancer.
• Similarly, people with low risk can still develop cancer.

Second, there are preventive measures to empower you. The report will inform you of proactive options available in Sweden. For many cancers, over 90% (close to 100% for breast cancers) survive if discovered early. The healthcare system has a number of monitoring programs to discover cancers early. We’ll inform you how to enter the Swedish healthcare system. There are also preventive healthcare partners that we can recommend to you.

Third, you can choose a one-hour free video meeting with one of our genetic counsellors who can address your questions and concerns and guide you through the process of understanding and taking preventive action.

Finally, if a pathogenic variant is found, it may be inherited by other family members. Therefore you may want to inform your siblings or children so that they have the option to discover and plan for themselves.

If you wish to discover more hereditary cancers, you can watch the recording of the talk given by Dr Svetlana from Karolinska Hospital at one of the Eiira events.