Reducing cancer risk involves mindful lifestyle choices such as eating well, avoiding alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, and not smoking. However, your genetic makeup remains unchanged, influencing your lifetime cancer risk.
At Kyvor Genomics, we have designed various genetic testing products, including CanScreen - Hereditary Cancer Genetic Screening Test, to empower patients in their health journey.
Hereditary cancer develops due to gene changes passed down in families, increasing cancer risk. CanScreen helps identify these risks by analysing your genetic makeup, giving you crucial information for informed health decisions.
The Evolution of Genetic testing
Before the year 2000, genetic testing was rare and expensive. Today, it is a widely accepted, cost-effective tool for understanding and mitigating cancer risk. As highlighted by experts from Weill Cornell Medicine emphasise that a notable segment of the population—ranging from 1% to 5%—may possess genetic mutations that increases their risk for multiple cancers, such as breast, ovarian, and colorectal cancers. Individuals with these genetic mutations have a considerable cancer risk, with an average likelihood of 67% for developing cancers including breast, ovarian, colorectal, pancreatic, and prostate cancers.
Benefits of Genetic testing
Cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, making it very challenging to treat; therefore, being informed about available cancer prevention and screening strategies is crucial for making better decisions.Key benefits include:
Screening: Increased cancer risk calls for more frequent and comprehensive screening such as annual colonoscopies for colon cancer or mammograms for breast cancer that are vital for surveillance.
Proactive treatment option: Screening offers the opportunity for early detection, which can significantly prevent disease, reduce the treatment burden and enhance the effectiveness of medical interventions.
Personalised medicine:Personalised treatment options based on genetic insights are available to determine the right interventions to maintain a good quality of life.
Simple Test: A simple blood test can transform lives through early cancer detection.
Personal and family history
Genetic testing is valuable for those with a personal or family history of cancer. It helps in making informed decisions about lifestyle changes, screening, and preventive treatments like surgery or chemoprevention.
The chart highlights the increased risk of various cancers in individuals with hereditary predispositions compared to the general population.
Real-world Impact
The real-world benefits of genetic testing are profound. After discovering she had a BRCA1 mutation, Angelina Jolie (hollywood actress) underwent preventive surgery, including a double mastectomy and the removal of her ovaries and fallopian tubes, to reduce her high risk of breast and ovarian cancer—the latter of which claimed her mother’s life at 56. Her openness about these difficult decisions highlights the importance of genetic testing in enabling early intervention and informed healthcare choices.
The future of cancer prevention
The future of cancer prevention holds the promise of integrating genetic risk assessments into routine medical care. Until this becomes standard practice, we encourage individuals to proactively seek genetic testing and consult with clinicians. Genetic testing is a powerful tool in cancer prevention and personalised medicine. At Kyvor Genomics, we are dedicated to helping individuals understand their genetic risks and make informed decisions for a healthier future. CanScreen - Hereditary Cancer Screening Test plays a crucial role in this by providing valuable insights into hereditary cancer risks, further empowering patients in their journey toward proactive health management.
The War against Cancer can be Won