Though there are benefits when it comes to genetic cancer testing, it is still essential to remember that it also comes with limitations. Positive results from cancer genetic testing do not always mean that you will develop cancer, but it would weigh a lot on your mind and also on your loved ones. And a negative result does not mean that you will not develop cancer.
When a person is ever concerned that they have inherited a cancer susceptibility syndrome in their family, it’s best that a family member who has cancer has genetic counseling and testing first in order to know whether the cancer is because of an inherited genetic variant. Also, genetic testing is more informative when it starts with a family member who has a current or previous cancer diagnosis compared to someone who has not had cancer.
When a person in the family was found to have inherited cancer susceptibility syndrome, any family members who have inherited it needs to get genetic testing even when they have never had cancer before. This will help to prevent future cancer. Below are some of the benefits of genetic testing for cancer.
Reveals DNA Sequence of Genetic Disease
The test actually could help prevent whether you have a DNA sequence of a genetic disease or condition. With such knowledge, you and your doctor then could take the needed steps in order to avoid triggering such disease. The test may also confirm the diagnosis of genetic conditions and to help guide you to proper disease management. You can also find out whether you have the SNCA (PARK 1) gene mutation which may lead to Parkinson’s disease. The test also screens for markers of any inherited cancer risk such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, which are actually linked to breast cancer.
Identifying Mutations
The genetic tests also could help in identifying mutations that may lead to insidious enzyme deficiencies. A good example, in this case, is when there’s an enzyme deficiency which is called MTHFR. This kind of enzyme is responsible for various biochemical reactions in one’s body that includes the B12 assimilation and the regulating detoxification pathways. The low-level enzyme will create havoc towards a person’s health, which then causes various problems.
Helps Put your Health in your Favor
The genetic cancer tests will help in putting your health in your favor. This will allow you in designing a lifestyle which will avoid activating problematic genes.
Genetic tests serve as a window to your present, past and future. It puts the power of being able to maintain your well-being. The genetics labs also have made testing procedures easy so there is no excuse for not doing it.
Depending on the lab and type of test, you also would need to collect a small vial of saliva or blot a finger-prick of blood and put it on a card. You can mail this back to the lab and in just several weeks, you will get your results. See to it that you then share your results with your doctor who is familiar with your genetic testing and use their knowledge in order to optimize your health.