Genetic studies for cancer detection
Genetic tests to detect cancer
First of all, let's be clear about something: a genetic test can detect the disease , but also simply indicate if you have more likely to suffer from it . Starting from this basis is important because the time of life at which the test is taken can provide different information.
There is circumstances that increase the risk and that recommend the use of these tests. For example, if you have any family history direct with cancer or several collaterals. Also, if you belong to a community or ethnic group which has a higher incidence of certain types of tumors. All of this has an influence and should not be ignored.
Anyway, they do exist. various types of genetic testing to effectively detect cancer. These are:
1. Mutation test
He mutation test allows to detect possible genetic mutations that lead to some cases of cancer. It's worth noting that a mutation doesn't necessarily imply a diagnosis of disease. But in any case, it's a sufficiently important clue.
An example of mutation testing is the study of mutations in a liquid biopsy. This allows us to determine whether or not they are present and is also useful when a cancer diagnosis has already been made.
2. Genetic predisposition test
He predisposition test It's very useful if you want to know your chances of developing a particular cancer. And, best of all, in this case, you can analyze various types of cancer and their hereditary predisposition.
What is the methodology To understand this predisposition to cancer? What we do here is analyze hereditary mutations that predispose to different types of cancer, specifically 17, through the NGS sequencing , with a saliva sample and taking as a reference 49 genes .
Some of the most common types of cancer are breast, ovarian, prostate, or stomach. Well, with OncoGen You can find out your chances of developing cancer. And, of course, this will help you get more frequent checkups and adopt healthy lifestyle habits.
3. Breast cancer test
There is evidence to detect the existence or progression of breast cancer . In this case, what is done is to take a tissue sample and analyze it. It is usually more complex than other tests and is taken as a reference MYC gene and the region 8q24 .
4. Lung cancer test
He lung cancer It is one of the most common and whose early detection It's essential. What kinds of tests do we use? Let's take note:
- Analysis of EGFR mutations in the blood . This is useful as long as the lung cancer is not small cell lung cancer, but it provides a lot of information.
- RET translocation analysis . This checks to see if there is any translocation in the RET gene , and is usually used for young patients without other risk factors for non-small cell lung cancer (between 1 and 2%). This requires a paraffin-embedded tissue sample.
- Genetic panel to check gene status . This test is more invasive because it initially requires a sample from a surgical specimen of the tumor in an FFPE block. The goal is to understand how these genes are rearranged and how they evolve.
Knowing your genetic characteristics can also help. Therefore, if you have any doubts, we recommend getting tested as soon as possible.
5. Bladder cancer test
Bladder cancer, which is more common in men, can be detected through several tests. One of them, for example, is the use of a biological sample of paraffin-embedded tissue for him gene D7S486 or with the P16 gene , in order to detect mutations. The second possibility is combine he analysis of the P16 gene with anomalies chromosomal, specifically in the chromosomes 3, 17 and 17 .
6. Colorectal cancer test
He colorectal cancer test It also allows us to know whether or not there is a problem. In this case, the usual procedure used is blood or paraffin-embedded tissue analysis to check for mutations in the KRAS, BRAF or NRAS genes . There is some saliva variant, in some cases.
5 advantages of genetic testing for cancer
The advantages of genetic testing for cancer, whether for prevention or diagnosis, are numerous. We focus on the most important:
1. Eliminate risk factors
First of all, if it is proven that you have a predisposition to suffer from a certain cancer, you can Eliminate or minimize risk factors . Or, as the saying goes, you can take better care of yourself. Eating less fat, eliminating alcohol and other drugs, as well as tobacco and physical activity, will reduce that risk.
2. Monitor the treatment
In some cases, the cancer is already diagnosed, but these tests do allow Monitor treatment . That is, whether the tumor is progressing, stagnating, or tending to shrink. Although these tests are usually the most invasive, they provide crucial information.
3. Make an early diagnosis
Thirdly, these tests help you to make a Early diagnosis . In cancer, this factor is essential to ensure survival and increase the odds, but in cases like lung cancer, it is even more so.
4. Family planning
On the other hand, a test to know your predisposition to suffer from a certain cancer is useful for Planning how to have children . Here, it's also ideal to take a genetic compatibility test with your partner if you want to have children naturally. Information is power, and it can be very useful here.
4. Improved quality of life
Finally, these tests serve to Improve quality of life . For example, to change our lifestyle for a better life, but also to decide whether we don't want to expose ourselves to unnecessary suffering in later stages. All of this provides certainty and allows us to make decisions.
In summary…
These genetic tests are crucial both for preventing cancer and for detecting and treating it early. Genotics You'll find numerous genetic disease tests, along with their technical requirements, prices, and delivery times. Be sure to visit us to find what you need!