Cancer Screening|Gene Testing for Cancer.

As mentioned in causes of cancer, cancer is genetic. And gene testing for cancer is all about cancer screening. How a normal cell becomes abnormal or mutated to form a cancer cell is explained in this post on cancer. Having a tendency towards cancer makes you a likely probable to get cancer. This tendency towards cancer is very likely if your parents and/or ancestor/s have or had cancer or if you have family history of cancer.

Genetic testing for cancer is all about testing to know if you are prone to getting cancer or not. This test will help to find if you have a cancer gene that will mutate a normal cell to make it a cancer cell. This test helps to detect hereditary cancers.

Genes and Cancer.

Understand this normal pattern of the cell.

• Each cell contains genes which are made up of DNA.
• DNA is a nucleic acid  which is present in the nucleus of almost each cell in our body.
• It is the DNA which carries our hereditary blueprint or our hereditary characteristics.
• Now each cell is controlled by our genes. It is the genes, which tell the cell how to behave and function. In other word, the cell is under control of our genes. Genes tell the cell how to function and when to die. (cellular suicide or apoptosis).

Picture showing DNA in normal cell.

Now understand this abnormal pattern of the cell.

• Sometimes the gene tells the cell to behave in an abnormal manner.
• The cell becomes primitive and does not perform its normal functions.
• It does not die when it is supposed to die.
• The cell goes on multiplying at an abnormally fast and uncontrolled pace. The normal gene has become a cancer gene.
• This condition is cancer.
• What has happened is that the gene underwent a change.
• This changed gene, which you can call a cancer gene, is passed on to the following generations which make them prone to cancer.

When should you undergo gene testing for cancer

Cancer Genetic Test is about identifying this cancer gene in a person through blood test to find out if he is prone to cancer. It is important to note here (before you panic) that not every one in the following generations with a family history of cancer carries this faulty gene. Genetic counseliing will help you decide if you should  undergo or if you are the right candidate for  this cancer screening test. But for information sake, let us see what can make you a potential candidate for gene testing for cancer.

If you have two or more close relatives who have or had cancer – more importantly  before the age of 50 years. When we say close relatives, we mean

• Father.
• Mother.
• Brother.
• Sister.
• Grandparents on mother’s as well as father’s side.
• Father’s brother or sister.
• Mother’s brother or sister.

BRCA1 and BRCA2.

BRCA1 and BRCA2 are a type of genes that give stability to the DNA in the cell and prevent mutation and uncontrolled growth of the cells. They are, therefore called tumor suppressors. When these genes undergo mutation, or when they become cancer genes,   there is development of breast cancer and ovarian cancer. The “BRCA” stands for breast cancer.

In women, besides risk of breast and ovarian cancer at an early age, mutation of these genes increase risk of  uterine, cervical, colon and pancreatic cancer.

In men, mutation of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, increases risk of breast cancer, testicular, prostrate and pancreatic cancer.

How is Cancer Genetic Testing Done.

Cancer Genetic Testing is carried out with samples of blood or a buccal smear ( smear taken from the inside of the cheeks). It is first done on the family member who has been diagnosed with cancer. If the result of cancer tests is positive, other family members are asked to undergo genetic screening.

Drawbacks or Limitations of Cancer Genetic Test.

• It is an expensive test.
• The results of genetic testing takes weeks to come.
• A negative test does not rule you out from getting cancer.
• If the test result is negative, there is still a 20% chance of getting cancer.
• If the test is positive, it only indicates that you are at a greater risk of getting cancer. In other words, even if the test is positive, you may still not get cancer.
• Even if mutation is present, it may go undetected.
• Even if mutation is detected, there is no preventive treatment for the genetic disorder.
• Emotional stress develops in the member and family.

Benefits of Genetic Testing for Cancer.

• Mental state of uncertainty is reduced.
• Gene testing for cancer gives an idea of cancer risk to the patient and family members.
• Makes you improve your lifestyle habits, thereby reducing your exposure to cancer risk factors.
• A positive test makes you eligible for periodic cancer screening and an early cancer detection, before spread of cancer, always increases chances of a good prognosis.

Related posts:

1. Gene Therapy for Cancer.
2. BRCA Gene Test for Breast Cancer.
3. Diagnosis and Testing for Breast Cancer.
4. Breast Screening to Detect Breast Cancer.
5. X ray Testing for Cancer.
6. Cancer from Smoking.
7. Surgery Treatment for Cancer.
8. Blood Tests for Breast Cancer.