There are many diseases that are inherited through genes. Certain types of cancer fall under the category of such diseases. Doctors are increasingly promoting genetic testing for cancer treatment. Genetic testing helps physicians to study whether a given patient is susceptible to certain diseases including cancer or not. A simple blood or swab test is all that is required to obtain a detailed report on your genetic profile.
This report informs about any mutation or defects in your DNA, a component of body cells carrying genetic information. Since DNA provides instructions regarding the growth and development of your body, doctors can identify inherited defects. These inherited defects can put you at a risk of developing a hereditary disease including genetic cancers. The following section of the blog discusses the benefits of genetic testing for cancer in detail.
What Does Genetic Testing for Cancer Means?
There are two reasons for developing cancer. One is lifestyle issues like smoking and drinking and even excessive sugar intake can cause cancer. The other reason is genetic inheritance of defective genes from parents. Certain cancers like breast, colorectal, ovarian and prostate cancer have been found to be linked with genetic factors. This implies that if anyone in your family had cancer then you might be susceptible to develop cancer.
Normally your genes protect you from cancer by correcting gene damages that are caused by the natural cell division process. However, inheriting defective versions of those protective genes puts you at a higher risk of developing cancer. Genetic testing informs you about your cancer susceptibility from before allowing you to avail proper precautionary treatment.
Moreover, genetics can predict whether all the members of your family including your offspring are susceptible to cancer or not. However, susceptibility does not guarantee the occurrence of the disease. Susceptibility prediction enables early detection enhancing the chances of getting cured. For instance, it is beneficial to be cognizant about the chances of developing breast cancer. Early detection of breast cancer makes the disease highly curable.
Procedure of Testing
The testing is done by collecting blood and saliva samples. If there is any living survivor in your family, then he/she would be tested first. This would reveal if they have cancer genes or have developed due to lifestyle reasons. If it reveals that they have cancer genes then the rest of the family members would be tested. The first is the diagnostic test and the latter is the predictive test. The test reports typically take 2-4 weeks to come.
Best Genetic Test Available in the Market
Pharmacogenomic PGx testing is the best genetic testing for cancer available in the market and is highly recommended by physicians. It is extremely reliable and involves only saliva or blood tests. The test would help your physicians to identify cancer related genes in your body.
Additionally, it would also help your doctor to come up with gene specific treatment plans. Many cancer medicines react differently for patients due to genetic differences. Gene specific medication and chemotherapy would help you to overcome cancer much faster than traditional trial and error methods of treatment. Book your pharmacogenomic testing at home today for a secure future.
Conclusion
Genetic testing for cancer is a life saving procedure. It successfully detects defective genes and helps predict cancer. Get your PGx testing done to help your doctors with detailed genetic information. With a one time blood or swab test you can secure your future.
