The Cancer Genetics Screening provides information to
individuals who may be at increased risk of cancer due
to a personal history of cancer, family history of cancer
or an underlying genetic condition. The goal of the
screening is to let people aware of the cancer risk,
cancer genetics, genetic testing, early detection, improved
cancer management and possible risk reduction.
Scientists are trying to better understand which people
are more likely to get certain types of cancer. They
also study the things we do and the things around us
to see if they cause cancer. This information helps
doctors recommend genetic screening for cancer, which
genetic screening tests should be used, and how often
the tests should be done.
Researchers have identified 20 to 30 cancer-susceptibility
genes that greatly increase a person's odds of getting
some form of malignancy. For example, a gene has been
identified on chromosome number 9 that may be linked
to a common skin cancer called basal cell carcinoma.
This gene labeled PTC or patched, may someday be important
in screening for this type of cancer. Another gene,
called HNPCC, is carried by one out of every 300 Americans
and may greatly increase an individual's chance of getting
colon cancer. And the doubly dangerous gene called BRCA-1
seems to give women an 85% chance of developing breast
cancer, as well as a 50% chance of ovarian tumors.
People may consider the follwoing things both mother’s
and father’s side of the family before taking
the test:
If any of the relatives had cancer, including cancers
of the breast, ovary, skin, prostate, thyroid, uterus
(endometrium) or colon
If a relative developed cancer before the age of 50
If a family member had an unusual or rare type of cancer,
such as male breast cancer
If a relative had more than one type of cancer, such
as breast and ovarian cancer or cancer in both breasts
If he/she is concerned about their risk for developing
cancer
if he/she wondered whether they should have genetic
testing for cancer genes
