Genetic Screening for Cancer
Cancer remains an illness that we continue to try to prevent from occurring through lifestyle advances and also to detect as early as possible to give the best outcome as treatments are improving all the time.
More than 1 in 3 people will develop cancer in their lifetime. Around 85% of cancers are thought to be environmental due to smoking, HPV virus, alcohol and other environmental factors. Around 15% of cancers are genetic, due to alterations in a person’s DNA passed down from their parents.
Preventative care is continually improving. The basic advice is very important such as advising people to stop smoking, reduce alcohol intake and for teenagers to have the HPV vaccine which helps protect against cervical cancer.
Genetic screening is a new form of screening, and this is looking for an individual’s inherited risk of cancer. Through this screening, we can understand at a genetic level, an individual’s risk of developing a disease.
Genetic testing is a screening process where a sample of your DNA is taken through a saliva swab or blood test and analysed. Genetic screening Iooks for ‘faulty’ genes in your DNA that place a person at an increased risk of developing cancer in their lifetime. If a gene is detected this may change the screening advice you are given.
Identifying the presence of a ‘faulty’ gene does not mean that a person will certainly develop cancer, however, it does identify an increased risk to that individual. In these cases, preventative care and screening become important in preventing the development of any cancer and identifying any indicators of cancer development early.
Genetic screening for cancer is a once-in-a-lifetime test. Once an individual knows their genetic cancer risk, they will never need to take this test again.
This new tool in preventative care allows individuals to receive the most thorough and up-to-date assessment of their personal risk.
Genetic screening has come a long way in the past ten years. In 2008 it took a whole year to decode one gene and now entire gene panels can be analysed in a few weeks placing it at the forefront of preventative care.
There are several genetic tests available providing varying levels of detail. These tests are called panel tests, some tests analyse a broader range of genomes than others. An expert in the field of cancer genetics will be able to advise on which test is right for you. It is important that an individual is counselled through this process by a clinically trained professional, this is a legal requirement for this type of test.
There are a growing number of clinics that are offering genetic testing for cancers. However, it is important to note there are few consultants in the UK who are qualified to interpret the results of a genetic cancer screening and to make decisions on the appropriate advice and treatment. The interpretation of DNA sequencing is the most important part of the testing process. This is when alterations in the DNA are identified, and preventative care solutions are recommended.
It is essential that this interpretation is accurate to ensure misdiagnosis does not take place.
Genetic screening for cancer becomes a useful tool when there are common cancers in one family such as breast, ovarian, prostate, bowel and lung. It can sometimes be the case that one family may be more susceptible to developing cancer because of a ‘faulty’ gene. It is in these instances genetic screening can have an enormous impact on the way members of a family approach their wellbeing and health care to minimise their risk of developing disease and illness.
Genetic screening is also a useful tool for women who are experiencing menopause symptoms and are concerned about their risk of developing cancer should they begin on HRT. Many women have reservations about beginning HRT due to a family history of breast or ovarian cancer. When this is the case, genetic screening can help inform an individual on whether HRT is a safe treatment for them.
There does not need to be a family history of cancer for an individual to be assessed for their genetic cancer risk. Anyone over the age of 18 can participate in this test.
At Sloane Square Medical our Oncogenetic Consultant, Dr George, is one of only two consultants in the UK who is qualified in the field of oncology and genetics and will oversee your genetic screening to assess your individual’s hereditary cancer risk.
Our Hereditary Health Screening service provides one of the most thorough preventative care screenings available in the UK combining genetic testing alongside comprehensive health screening.
If you are interested in learning more about the genetic screening and packages we offer, visit our Hereditary Health Screening page here or call the practice on 020 7730 8835.
Dr Victoria Owen