Breast cancer genetic testing is gaining importance with increasing breast cancer cases being diagnosed in the country. Early screening of genes involved in Breast Cancer (BRCA1 and BRCA2) can help in reducing the risk of developing breast cancer during the lifetime of an individual. Different genetic testing and diagnostic labs offer breast cancer genetic testing at an affordable price for the masses. Some labs use the latest Next-generation sequencing technology to decode mutated BRCA genes to reduce the risk.
BRCA1 and BRCA2 Gene Testing:
Breast cancer screening at early stages is crucial for reducing the risk of developing breast cancer in the individual. This process becomes even more important when any of the family members had developed breast cancer or any other type of cancer during their lifetime. This increases the risk of developing breast, ovarian, prostate, and pancreatic cancer in an individual. To reduce the risk of developing either of these cancers, BRCA screening plays an important role.
BRCA genes are generally present in every individual. These genes are essential as they perform significant functions in cellular repair mechanisms. These genes also prevent the development of tumor formation in the individual. However, their function gets altered when BRCA genes are mutated due to lifestyle changes and epigenetic factors. Their alteration in the function promotes the development of tumour and spread the cancer in the affected individual's body.
BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 gene testing screens the mutated BRCA genes in an individual, which can help in decreasing the risk of cancer development in an individual. The mutated genes are decoded in the test process. Meaningful and in-depth genetic testing reports are generated, which can be used by doctors and oncologists to design an effective treatment plan.
BRCA mutation Test:
BRCA mutation test is offered by some of the genetic testing and diagnostic centers located across the nation. BRCA mutations comprise blood as the sample, which is collected from the concerned patient as per the convenience. The sample collected is sent to the laboratory for various experiments to decode the presence of mutated BRCA genes. In-depth genetic analysis reports are generated using Next Generation Sequencing technology. These reports are interpreted by the genetic counselor, who helps the concerned patient in the understanding of results. The doctor further analyzes the reports in concern, allowing the patient to understand the risk factor associated with breast and other different types of cancer. The doctor can use genetic testing reports to estimate the risk of developing breast or any other kind of cancer in the family of the individual.
In BRCA mutation testing, genetic counseling also plays an important role. The diagnostic and genetic testing organizations provide the option of pre and post genetic counseling with the certified and trained genetic counselor. A genetic counselor studies the risk of developing cancer in detail and analyses the kind of cancer that is either running in families or can take place in due course of time. After obtaining the test reports, the genetic counselor analyses the results and shares the findings along with a future treatment plan, which can help the patient remarkably. Therefore, genetic counseling is essential and should be opted by every customer.
Breast Cancer Testing Labs in India:
There are various Breast Cancer testing labs located in different cities of the nation. However, only some of them offer the facility of breast cancer screening at an early stage. Genetic testing is usually done to assess the risk of a particular disease that the individual may have in the due course of time. In India, different genetic testing labs offer BRCA screening. These tests not only screen mutated BRCA genes but also scan the genome for other mutated genes, which can increase the risk of breast cancer. The technology used is the latest and advanced, which is highly sensitive and can provide specific and accurate results. Most of the labs may charge higher for BRCA screening depending upon the location. Most of the labs offer this test at an approximate price of ¹15000- ¹23000 at various locations. The test price can be higher depending upon the technology used, and the genes screened for identifying the risk associated with particular cancer.
Early detection is the key to prevent the development of breast, ovarian, and pancreatic cancer in an individual. Identification of mutated BRCA genes, BRCA1, and BRCA2, can help in assessing the risk of cancer development. Several research studies have shown that the results of BRCA1 and BRCA2 screening can be potentially applied in breast cancer therapy also. Knowing the potential risk of breast cancer in a lifetime, the individual can make informed decisions. The doctor can help the patient in designing plans which can reduce the risk of cancer development.
Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing - One Simple Way to Determine Your Baby's Health
Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) examines the mother's blood to analyze the DNA to determine if there is any risk to your baby for any number of genetic disorders. The procedure is entirely safe for you and your baby. However, it cannot accurately determine whether your baby actually has a chromosomal disorder. It can only tell you about the likelihood of having that condition. Mothers to be who are 35 or older, previously having a child with a genetic disorder or having a family history of these conditions, may undertake NIPT to be informed of the baby's well-being.
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Genetic Testing for Comprehensive Hereditary cancer panel
Hereditary Cancer Panel is caused by an inherited genetic variation or mutation. Any individual carrying mutations/variations for hereditary cancer are at high risk for the development of tumors at an early age. Around 8-15% of all the cancers are generally diagnosed as hereditary cancer. Genetic test for hereditary cancer panel is one of the key tests of Genes2Me and is done PAN India. This panel covers ovarian cancer, endocrine cancer, Gynecological Cancer, Lynch Syndrome, Pancreatic Cancer, Nervous System Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Renal Cancer, and Skin Cancer/Melanoma.
