Genetic Testing for Cancer: Understanding Your Family’s Risk
Dr. Roshan Daniel, a leading expert in hereditary cancers, recently spoke at Muthoot Fincorp, Trivandrum, as part of KIMSHEALTH Cancer Center’s free cancer screening program. The session focused on familial cancers—cancers that run in families—and how genetic testing can help detect risks early and even prevent cancer before it develops.
Here, we answer some of the common questions raised during the session.
Is Cancer Always Passed Down in Families?
No, most cancers do not run in families. Many cancers happen due to:
🔹 Aging – Our body cells change over time, and mistakes (mutations) happen in the DNA.
🔹 Lifestyle choices – Smoking, diet, alcohol, and obesity can increase cancer risk.
🔹 Environmental factors – Pollution, radiation, and harmful chemicals can damage DNA.
However, about 10% of cancers are hereditary, meaning they are caused by a gene mutation passed down in families.
How Do I Know If Cancer in My Family Is Inherited?
Some clues suggest that cancer might run in a family:
✅ Many family members have had cancer, especially parents, siblings, or grandparents.
✅ Cancer at a young age, like breast or colon cancer before 50 years.
✅ One person had more than one type of cancer in their lifetime.
✅ Rare cancers like ovarian cancer or male breast cancer in the family.
✅ Biopsy reports that mention specific findings, such as triple-negative breast cancer or Lynch syndrome markers in colon cancer.
If you notice any of these patterns in your family, genetic testing can help determine if there’s an inherited risk.
What Is Genetic Testing for Cancer?
Genetic testing is a simple blood test that looks for mistakes (mutations) in genes that are supposed to protect us from cancer. If these genes are faulty, the body may not be able to stop cancer from growing.
Some common inherited mutations include:
🔹 BRCA1 & BRCA2 – Increase the risk of breast, ovarian, prostate, and pancreatic cancer.
🔹 Lynch Syndrome genes (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, EPCAM) – Raise the risk of colon, uterine, stomach, and ovarian cancer.
🔹 TP53 mutations – Can cause multiple cancers at a very young age.
Genetic testing does not diagnose cancer, but it tells you if you have a higher chance of getting it.
If I Have a Gene Mutation, Will I Definitely Get Cancer?
No. A gene mutation only increases your risk, but it does not mean you will get cancer.
Many people with gene mutations never develop cancer because they take preventive steps, such as:
✅ Regular screenings (like mammograms or colonoscopies) to catch cancer early.
✅ Healthy lifestyle choices like a good diet, exercise, and avoiding smoking.
✅ Preventive treatments like certain medications that lower cancer risk.
✅ In some cases, preventive surgeries (e.g., mastectomy for BRCA carriers) to remove at-risk tissues before cancer appears.
Knowing your genetic risk allows you to take control of your health and make informed choices.
How Do Gene Mutations Cause Cancer?
Our body has proteins that protect us from cancer. These proteins are made using instructions from our genes (DNA).
If there’s a mistake (mutation) in the gene, the body may not produce the right proteins to stop cancer from forming.
Since DNA is inherited, these mutations can be passed down through families, increasing the risk of cancer in multiple family members.
What Can You Do If You Have a Cancer-Related Gene Mutation?
If you test positive for a gene mutation, a doctor might suggest:
✅ More frequent check-ups (e.g., mammograms, colonoscopies) to catch cancer early.
✅ Lifestyle changes like a healthy diet, exercise, and quitting smoking.
✅ Medications that help lower cancer risk.
✅ In some cases, preventive surgery to remove high-risk tissues before cancer develops.
Each case is different, so discussing your results with a genetic counselor or doctor is important.
How Much Does Genetic Testing Cost?
Genetic testing for familial cancers costs around ₹25,000.
🔹 It is a one-time blood test.
🔹 The results take about one month.
This test provides lifelong insights into your health and helps protect your family.
Why Is Genetic Testing Important?
In the last year alone, over 150 families were tested for hereditary cancers at KIMSHEALTH. More than a dozen families tested positive and are now under close follow-up.
Due to the rising demand, a dedicated Hereditary Cancer Clinic is being set up to provide specialized care for high-risk individuals.
Take Charge of Your Health
Understanding your cancer risk through genetic testing can save lives. Early detection allows for preventive action, reducing the chance of cancer developing or spreading.
At KIMSHEALTH, we offer:
🎗️ Awareness programs to educate families about cancer risks.
🎗️ Genetic testing services to identify inherited risks early.
🎗️ A special Previvor Clinic for people at high risk of cancer.
💪 Knowledge is power—protect your health and your family today!
If you have a family history of cancer and want to know your risk, visit KIMSHEALTH or book an online consultation with us. Let’s work together to prevent cancer before it starts!