Department of Cancer Genetics

Cancer genetics refers to the study of how genetic factors affect the occurrence, treatment response, and risks of cancer in a particular individual. Cancer genetics also assist in the early diagnosis of cancers that threaten one’s health.

No. A majority of cancers from 85% to 90% develop spontaneously owing to aging or environmental causes. Only 5 to 10% of cancers are associated with a genetic cause.

Hereditary cancer results from a particular genetic mutation that runs within families or occurs spontaneously in an individual. On the other hand, familial cancer is when cancer occurs in families without a particular genetic cause.

It is defined as a modification of the DNA sequence of a gene that could predispose an individual to cancer, either genetically inherited or acquired.

Germline mutations can be found in all cells of the body and can even be inherited by offspring, whereas somatic mutations are limited to tumor cells and cannot be passed on to offspring.

There are many cancers that may be hereditary, such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, colorectal cancer, endometrial cancer, pancreatic cancer, and prostate cancer, to name but a few.

These include hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome (BRCA1/ BRCA2), Lynch syndrome, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, and familial adenomatous polyposis.

People who have early onset cancer, cancer that runs in their families, cancer associated to known cancer syndromes or rarer forms of cancer can opt for genetic testing.

On occasion. Some hereditary mutations may occur in the absence of previous family history due to smaller family size, lack of communication, or de novo mutations.

Yes. Men are carriers of genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2 and they are also susceptible to prostate, breast, and pancreatic cancers.

Genetic testing for adult-onset cancer syndromes is postponed till adulthood except when the child needs screening for the cancer syndromes with earlier onsets.

It is the process by which a professional counsels an individual regarding his/her family and personal history, tests available, and interprets the implications of the results.

It makes sure that the proper testing is done, and the individual knows what to expect from the results.

Yes, since counseling helps explain the results and plan further course of action for the individual and relatives who are at risk too.

Yes, since genetic counseling can give risk assessment based only on the family history and irrespective of testing.

Counseling on genetics helps patients to cope with the psychological aspects related to risk information and refers them to additional psychological assistance if necessary.

Consultations are provided by qualified clinical geneticists and genetic counselors with experience in oncogenetics.

A sample of blood or saliva is normally enough, since this will contain the germline DNA found in all body cells.

The processing time generally takes anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks.

It is a test that screens several genes associated with cancer at once, as opposed to testing one at a time.

It is testing for mutations in tumor tissue to identify a potential therapy, not germline hereditary testing.

No. Genetic testing for tumors only tests the mutations in the tumors, whereas genetic testing for heredity tests the inherited mutations in the whole body.

Yes. Genetic testing can be conducted at the time of diagnosis, during therapy, or after therapy.

It implies that a gene mutation with an elevated risk of developing cancer has been discovered.

It means no gene mutations have been found in the examined genes.

This is a genetic change whose effect on cancer risk is not yet clearly established. It is not classified as harmful or harmless and may be reclassified as more data becomes available in the future.

They can, especially in cases where VUS is involved because they will later be categorized as either pathogenic or benign.

Not necessarily. Being positive just means that there is an increased chance of developing cancer but not that you will have cancer.

On the contrary, there are several explanations for a negative result: the causative mutation is unknown or cancer was of a sporadic nature.

Absolutely. Usually, first-degree relatives are recommended to undergo cascade testing, which implies testing for the same mutation.

Yes, you can make a personal choice, but genetic counseling will guide the patient on how to go about this.

The majority of hereditary cancers show a mode of inheritance known as autosomal dominant inheritance, wherein the chances of the offspring receiving the genetic defect is 50%.

The patient is given a risk management plan according to their specific situation.

No, definitely not, because there are many ways of dealing with such a problem, including but not limited to, risk-reducing surgery.

Genetic risks cannot be prevented, however, a healthy lifestyle may help lower the risks.

This will depend on the mutation and cancer, and is listed in the customized care plan.

Coverage depends on the insurer and the individual plan. Individual patients should contact their insurer directly, and Genetidoc can help prepare the necessary documents.

Cost depends on the kind of test that is being done – single gene testing, panel testing, or tumor profiling. For prices and packages, contact Genetidoc at WhatsApp.