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Family History and Genetic Testing Assist in Determining Cancer Risk

Family history and genetic testing play a major role in determining cancer risk. Yes! This may sound quite unusual at times as cancer can happen to anyone at any point in time due to the high prevalence of environmental factors. However, as per research, it has been confirmed that the genetic cause of cancer puts you under the high-risk category.

In this context, GS Cancer Hospital Ghaziabad, the best cancer hospital in Hapur aims to spread awareness amongst their patients about the importance of family history and genetic testing to assist in determining high-risk cancer cases. Apart from providing excellent care and medical services with a team of the best oncologists in Meerut, the hospital also offers preventive cancer care.

In this blog, we shall unleash the importance of family history and genetic testing to assist in determining cancer risk. Let’s begin

What is Genetic Testing for Cancer?:

Gene mutations play an important role in determining high-risk cases of cancer. These gene mutations are changes in the DNA of the cells that occur during a person’s lifetime.

In simple words, many changes take place in the cellular cycle as every individual grows. Moreover, the majority of the genes are considered familial genes which are derived from either parents or ancestors. One such gene mutation that can be detected through DNA or genetic testing is the cancer gene.

If you have a family history of cancer, undergoing genetic testing can help to confirm inherited cancer genes. If genetic testing reveals a hereditary mutation of the cancer gene, you are at high risk of developing cancer. Positive genetic testing for cancer helps you to work on lifestyle modifications to reduce the risk of cancer in the future allowing you to stay healthy.

Before you plan to get genetic testing done for cancer, it is recommended to speak to your oncologist who will take a detailed case consultation to check for the need for genetic testing.

Importance of family history and genetic testing in cancer:

Detailed case consultation for cancer analysis is a must with your doctor. Knowing about one’s family history helps to lower the risk and prevent cancer. Genetic testing for cancer is an essential tool that helps in detecting high-risk cancer cases.

Accordingly, diagnosis and management of cancer can be done with timely screenings, routine check-ups, and lifestyle modifications at an early age to prevent cancer. A genetic evaluation of cancer can be done through detailed family history, past medical history, and genetic testing.

Hereditary forms of cancers:

Many cancers are caused by hereditary mutations which are as follows:

• Breast Cancer
• Ovarian Cancer
• Lung Cancer
• Uterine Cancer
• Colon Cancer
• Pancreatic Cancer
• Prostate Cancer
• Thyroid Cancer
• Stomach Cancer
• Kidney Cancer

Well, it is important to know that not all cancers are hereditary. Many are also caused due to environmental factors that act as potential triggers for the recurrence of cancer.

When is genetic testing for cancer recommended?:

Genetic testing for cancer is recommended mainly by your doctor based on his detailed case consultation. Here are some of the following recommendations for genetic testing of cancer:

• Age - If you are diagnosed with cancer in the early stage of life or at a young age
• Complications - If you have multiple types of cancers due to metastasis
• Extent of cancer- If you have cancer in bilateral organs such as bilateral breast or kidney
• Family history of cancer which includes biological parents and siblings
• Ancestral history of cancer in multiple family members
• Inherited cancer syndromes such as neurofibromatosis

These are certain factors for genetic testing to determine cancer. However, your oncologist is the best judge who will guide you for the genetic testing for cancer after determining your case history.

Types of genetic testing for cancer:

Here are the different types of genetic tests for cancer as advised by your doctor:

1. Single Mutation Genetic Testing: This test mainly involves looking out for certain changes in specific areas of a particular gene. It is done for multiple family members to check for high-risk specific cancer cases.

2. Single Gene Testing: This test involves the check on the entire DNA of the specific gene for cancer.

3. Panel Genetic Testing: This involves testing mutations in several genes.

Procedure for genetic testing:

The procedure for genetic testing is as follows:

1. First Step: A detailed case consultation with your doctor.

2. Second Step: Genetic counseling is a must before genetic testing trained genetic counselors will also guide you through the procedure.

These two initial steps are very important before you decide on genetic testing. It will help guide you through the following:

• Appropriate genetic testing suggestive as per your case
• A detailed explanation of specific genetic tests according to your case as per your doctor
• The pros and cons of genetic testing
• The importance of genetic testing in your case to avoid future complications
• The positive impact of genetic testing on family members and children
• Genetic test results and thorough guidance for prevention by your doctor

Advantages of family history and genetic testing for cancer:

The advantages of knowing family history and genetic testing for cancer are as follows:

• To know about the high-risk category cancer cases and take adequate measures
• To know about regular timely screening promptly with your doctor’s recommendation
• Take considered medicines as per your doctor to lower the risk of cancer
• To reduce the risk of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery in the future
• Genetic testing helps protect family members to prevent cancer in future
• Preventing complications of cancer in existing cases of cancer
• Prevention of passing on hereditary mutation to their biological children by taking necessary steps

Disadvantages of genetic testing:

The disadvantages of the genetic testing are as follows:

• Fear of developing cancer in the future
• If the genetic testing is positive, it is important to inform your family members about the possibility of the presence of a cancer gene
• Genetic tests may show variations of genes at some stages
• The presence of inherited cancers may be worrisome affecting the quality of life

If you have been positive for genetic testing, then your doctor will provide you with the necessary cancer prevention-centric treatment with a personalized approach as per your case.

FAQs

1. How is genetic testing done?

Genetic testing is done through a collection of blood or saliva which is sent for analysis to look out for changes in genes. It may take days or weeks to complete the analysis procedure to give accurate results.

2. Is genetic testing considered as accurate?

Genetic testing is considered the safest and most reliable way to determine gene mutations in high-risk cancer cases. The test results signal the presence of mutated genes linked to certain cancers which put you at high risk of developing cancer in the future.

3. Is genetic testing an expensive test?

Genetic testing is an affordable test for everyone. The cost of the genetic testing may depend upon the hospital, and medical services you opt for. It is highly recommended to speak to the genetic counselor or hospital staff who will guide you about the potential options for genetic testing.