Pretty much everyone has a fear of something and some phobias even come with names for the condition.
For example, agoraphobia is the fear of being overwhelmed by feelings of anxiety and not being able to find a safe place to escape. Other fears may seem a little silly to others, like being afraid of clothes hangers or overly sudsy shampoo.
However, almost everyone has a fear of being diagnosed with cancer—but did you know a medical lab can help address this fear?
With hereditary cancer screening, you can either breathe a little easier or start taking preventative steps to help protect your health.
What is Hereditary Cancer Screening
Cancer is caused by genetic mutations affecting the way cells function in the body. While some genetic mutations are benign, others can result in a form of cancer.
An estimated 10% of cancers are caused by genetic mutations. Even though this percentage seems low, it still means a significant portion of the population is at risk for developing cancer. To determine if you have a hereditary risk of cancer, physicians typically perform DNA tests at a medical lab.
By testing your DNA, physicians can better understand their patients’ risks of developing certain types of cancers. However, it’s important to remember this type of cancer screening doesn’t account for environmental factors. The environment can also increase your risk of developing cancer. Some examples include smoking and working around hazards like asbestos.
So, how can genetic mutations place you at an increased risk for cancer? Your DNA contains blueprints for making proteins that build and support your body.
These proteins are responsible for controlling millions of actions throughout your body, and one is determining how quickly your cells multiply. If your cells are growing and multiplying too rapidly, tumors can form.
Hereditary Mutations That Can Result in Cancer
Not every genetic mutation results in cancer. However, medical researchers and scientists have discovered over 400 genetic mutations that can develop into cancer. Most of these are also inherited from one or both parents.
Some examples of genetic mutations that typically result in a type of cancer include:
- BRCA genes are inherited and mutations can result in breast, ovarian, and other types of cancers. Something to note about breast cancer. This form of cancer isn’t limited to women. Men can also develop breast cancer either through genetic mutations or environmental exposure.
- When any of the genes responsible for repairing DNA begins mutating, colon cancer risks typically increase.
- A mutating TP53 gene can cause a condition known as Li-Fraumeni syndrome. This is an inherited condition that significantly increases your risk of developing almost any type of cancer. Thankfully, this genetic mutation is relatively rare but it does require constant monitoring to ensure you remain in good health.
Other common forms of hereditary cancers a DNA screening can look for include pancreatic, prostate, thyroid, uterine, and kidney.
An interesting fact about cervical cancer is that this type of cancer isn’t hereditary. This means if a close family member is diagnosed with cervical cancer, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re at an increased risk.
Should You Get a DNA Test for Your Cancer Risk
You can always get a hereditary cancer screening, even if no one in your family has ever been diagnosed. A DNA test in a medical lab can help put your mind at ease. However, remember the DNA test is only looking for genetic markers. Once again, environmental factors also play a huge role in whether or not you’re diagnosed with cancer.
With that being said, the National Cancer Institute does recommend the following individuals should consider hereditary cancer screening:
- You have a previous cancer diagnosis before your 50th birthday
- Several different types of cancer are present in your family history. This typically applies to first-degree family members like your parents and siblings. However, cancer researchers are also advocating for testing if second and third-degree family members have a history of cancer. These family members can include grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
- You have been diagnosed with an atypical cancer for your age or gender. An example is a male being diagnosed with breast cancer.
Physicians also recommend hereditary cancer screenings if you’ve been diagnosed with more than one type of cancer or tumors are present on both organs or two sides of the same organ. This can include cancer in both breasts or on each side of your pancreas.
Anyone who’s a member of an ethnic group or race predisposed to certain types of cancers should consider DNA testing.
Even if you don’t believe you’re at an increased risk, it’s always a good idea to be proactive about your health, and this often includes screening for hereditary cancer. You may feel like you’re familiar with your family history, but surprises can also pop up.
Types of Hereditary Cancer Screenings
There are a few different types of hereditary cancer tests. However, DNA testing usually covers all of them, and this includes both single mutation and single gene testing.
Panel tests are the other option. Each of the tests looks for changes in either a single, specific, or multiple genes. If you’re not sure which type of screening is best for you, your physician can provide guidance.
Testing for hereditary cancers is also fairly simple and painless. You’ll provide either a blood or saliva sample that’s sent off to a medical lab. The lab runs tests to check for any gene mutations. The test results usually go back to your physician.
However, if you go through a home cancer screening service, you’ll receive the results instead of your healthcare provider.
How long it takes to get your test results back depends on if you submitted a blood or saliva sample. Blood work typically takes a little longer than testing saliva.
Be Proactive About Your Health with Hereditary Cancer Screening
It’s natural to feel apprehensive about the possibility of being at an increased risk for cancer due to genetic factors.
However, understanding your genetic predisposition can be essential for proactive health management. A hereditary cancer test can provide this valuable insight. The test itself is straightforward to perform and can be a vital step in determining your risk levels.
Armed with this knowledge, you can make informed decisions about your health, allowing for early interventions and tailored monitoring strategies. Ultimately, knowing your genetic risk empowers you to take the necessary steps to maintain your health over the long term.
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