One of the most important causes of cancer, characterized by uncontrolled growth and proliferation of cells, is the changes that occur in genes for various reasons. Factors such as smoking, radiation exposure, and certain viruses can cause changes in genes. Some of these changes can also be passed on to future generations. In other words, those with a family history of cancer may have a higher risk of developing cancer. This situation has led experts to focus more on the importance of genetic testing in cancer diseases in recent years and significant developments have occurred in this area. Genetic tests in cancer diseases can help detect existing genetic changes and assess cancer risk. “What is the importance of genetic testing in cancer, how is it applied?”, “What tests are performed?”, “Can cancer be definitively detected in genetic tests?” These and other frequently asked questions about genetic testing in cancer are addressed in the following sections of the article.
What is the Importance of Genetic Testing in Cancer?
In living organisms, there is a molecule called DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) that carries genetic code and is responsible for all vital activities. One of the most important features of this molecule is that it contains the genetic code responsible for the characteristics of species called genes and is hereditary material. Genes, which are part of DNA, are responsible for coding proteins. If mutations occur in genes, the instructions needed for protein production may not be correctly interpreted, and cells may be damaged depending on the function of the protein. In other words, changes in genes can disrupt the structure of the cell, leading to uncontrolled growth and proliferation, that is, transforming into cancer cells.
Despite positive developments in the medical world, cancer continues to be a health problem affecting many people globally. Genetic factors play an important role in the formation of cancer. Therefore, the importance of genetic testing in cancer diseases is increasingly understood, and many scientific studies are being conducted in this area. Some research shows that approximately 5% to 12% of all cancer cases arise due to hereditary gene mutations. So, what are the benefits of genetic testing in cancer diseases? The importance of genetic testing in cancer diseases is significant. Genetic tests play a vital role in determining cancer risk, diagnosing the disease at an early stage, and creating personalized treatment plans. This can increase the chances of successful cancer treatment. The main advantages of genetic tests are as follows:
- Assessment of cancer risk: The positive or negative result of the test can provide important information to experts about the cancer risk of the person tested. Especially in those with a family history of cancer, risk genes are examined, and after the examination, the person’s risk of developing cancer is evaluated. After a positive result, some measures such as lifestyle changes, regular cancer screenings, and preventive treatments can be taken to minimize cancer risk.
- Opportunity for early diagnosis and treatment: One of the most important advantages of genetic tests is that they help in diagnosing cancer at an early stage. Genetic tests can also help determine the type of cancer and the rate of progression, which can guide treatment options. This allows specialists to prepare a personalized treatment plan early on.
- Convincing other family members to get tested: Close family members can also gain information about their own risks based on the person’s result and may want to get tested. This way, the cancer risk in the family can be better understood, and preventive measures can be taken against cancer.
- Opportunity for personalized treatment: Mutations occurring in the DNA of cancer cells can affect the structure and character of the tumor. Therefore, specialists can benefit from genetic tests to create a personalized treatment plan. Genetic tests can help understand the mutations in cancer cells. This way, specialists can prepare a personalized treatment plan. For example, in targeted therapies, which play an important role in cancer treatment today, the genetic structure of the tumor plays a significant role. If a mutation is detected in the gene as a result of the tests, specialists can choose an appropriate drug for it.
In Which Situations Are These Tests Requested?
Genetic tests can be performed for various purposes, such as having a family history of cancer, having a suspicion of cancer, and planning the treatment process for patients diagnosed with cancer. The main situations in which genetic tests are requested in cancer diseases are as follows:
- Having cancer in the family history: Genetic tests can be used to determine cancer risk in individuals who frequently encounter a specific type of cancer in their family history.
- Having a cancer diagnosis at an early age in the family: In cases where multiple types of cancer are seen in the family or where family members have been diagnosed with cancer before the age of 50, genetic tests can be used to assess the individual’s cancer risk.
- Having a personal medical history of cancer: Genetic tests can also be used to understand mutations in individuals who have previously been diagnosed with cancer.
- Genetic test results of one or more family members: Based on the test results in the family, other family members can also be tested.
Genetic tests help determine cancer risk and take preventive measures. However, it is important that these tests are conducted based on the recommendation of a specialized doctor. Do not forget to make an appointment with a specialist doctor to get more information about genetic tests in cancer diseases.
Who is Tested?
Genetic tests can be performed on individuals who have a family history of cancer and those who carry certain risk factors for cancer. According to some studies, the situations in which genetic testing may be beneficial can be listed as follows:
- Having been diagnosed with cancer before the age of 50 in oneself or family members,
- Having multiple different types of cancer,
- Having tumors in paired organs (in both breasts or both kidneys),
- Having several first-degree relatives (mother, father, siblings, and children) with the same type of cancer,
- Having multiple family members diagnosed with cancer,
- Having a specific type of cancer that does not match age and gender, such as breast cancer in men.
In addition to the above, the incidence of some cancers may vary depending on ethnic characteristics. It may also be appropriate to conduct genetic tests on those belonging to an ethnic group scientifically associated with cancer.
What Tests Are Performed?
The basic working principle of genetic tests performed to determine cancer risk or to prepare personalized treatment plans for patients diagnosed with cancer is to detect mutations or changes in certain genes. The genetic tests applied may vary depending on the individual’s family history, whether they have previously been diagnosed with cancer, or other risk factors. Some of the commonly performed genetic tests today are as follows:
- Single mutation test: The single mutation test is used to examine changes occurring in a specific region of a gene. Expert physicians may use this test to check whether other family members have the same mutation in cases where it is known that one or more individuals in the family have a mutation in a specific gene.
- Single gene test: The single gene test is a testing method that examines the entire gene. This test allows for the detection of genetic changes occurring in any part of the gene. The single gene test is particularly used to examine all genes associated with a specific type of cancer. For example, genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 associated with breast and ovarian cancer can be examined using the single gene test method.
- Panel tests: Panel tests are tests used to screen for genetic mutations in multiple genes. With panel tests, experts can detect changes occurring in multiple genes. Panel tests can be beneficial for individuals at risk of developing multiple types of cancer.
Frequently Asked Questions
The importance of genetic tests in cancer diseases is increasing day by day due to their ability to help determine cancer risk and provide opportunities for early diagnosis and treatment. Frequently asked questions about genetic tests in cancer diseases are discussed below.
Can cancer be definitively detected in test results?
Genetic tests provide information about cancer risk. However, a cancer diagnosis cannot be made solely based on a positive genetic test result. A positive test result indicates that there is a risk of developing cancer and that precautions should be taken. For those with a positive test result, specialists can use additional tests to investigate the presence of cancer.
How are tests performed?
Genetic tests are performed by examining a body fluid sample taken from the patient in a sterile environment, such as blood, urine, or saliva, in a laboratory setting.
Why would a doctor request genetic testing?
A doctor may request genetic testing to assess cancer risk in individuals with a family history of cancer, those diagnosed with cancer before the age of 50, or those with several family members with the same type of cancer.
They may also request it to determine treatment options such as smart drugs, etc.
How long does it take for genetic test results to come out?
The results of genetic tests can take a few days to several weeks to be available.
Cancer is one of the significant health issues that continues to be serious today. However, the use of genetic tests and other cancer screening methods used to assess cancer risk in recent years allows for the early detection of cancer risk, taking preventive measures, diagnosing a cancer that is still in its initial stages, and starting treatment. Do not forget to make an appointment with a specialist doctor to get information about genetic tests and to carry out the necessary checks.
Do not forget to make an appointment with Hisar Hospital’s specialist doctors for more information about cancer genetic tests and to carry out the necessary checks.
