Genetic Testing for Cancer and BRCA Gene Screening Cost in India
Cells are composed of genes that are responsible for making proteins that are essential for the functioning of the body. Cancer occurs when the genes present in the cells undergo changes which are known as mutations that result in uncontrolled cell division.
It is believed that 5–10% of all cancers have some kind of relationship with the gene mutations that are either inherited or passed on from one generation to another.
Having an inherited genetic mutation is not a definite indication that you will be getting cancer, but it does increase the risk of developing a certain type of cancer in your lifetime.
What is Genetic Testing for Cancer?
Genetic testing for cancer is referred to as a tool that can be used to determine the potential risks of developing cancers that are inherited due to gene mutations.
Genetic testing looks for certain specific inherited changes or variations in a person’s genes that are known to cause an increased risk of developing cancer in those individuals.
Some of the cancers where variations in genes are known to increase the risk of developing cancer include breast cancer, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, and ovarian cancer.
In this post, we will be discussing the breast cancer genetic risk and what are the mutations or risk factors that make an individual more susceptible to develop breast cancer.
We will also look into the tests that are useful for the screening of such genes.
Certain factors increase the likelihood of individuals developing breast cancer, these factors are known as risk factors and these can be as follows:
Age: Age is an important risk factor. With increasing age the chances of developing cancer also increases.
Inherited genetic mutations: It is believed that around 5–10% of breast cancer is caused by genetic mutations occurring in specific genes and the same is passed from one generation to another.
In the case of breast cancer, other gene mutations such as mutation n PALB2, TP53, PTEN, and BRIP1 genes are also associated with Breast cancer. Mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes shows direct association with breast cancer, and is largely known.
In a normal individual, these genes help in repairing damaged DNA, but in the case of individuals who have mutations in the gene, which fails to do its function i.e. to repair the damaged DNA, which can result in abnormal cell growth, causing cancer.
BRCA Gene Screening Cost in India
BRCA gene screening is done to determine the mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene that increases the chances of developing breast cancer in an individual. Along with breast cancer, it increases the chances of the following types of cancer:
- Ovarian cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Prostate Cancer
The cost of the BRCA gene screening test in India falls in the range of Rs.15000–35000, the BRCA testing cost varies from city to city.
Benefits of BRCA Testing:
Following are some of the benefits of BRCA testing:
- It helps in identifying individuals who are at a higher risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer in both males and females.
- Getting a confirmation helps in achieving peace of mind and ensure that no mutation will be carried forward to the next generation.
- It allows early detection of breast and ovarian cancer which helps in better clinical management of the disease.
- It is helpful in identifying BRCA gene mutations running in a family that have a family history of cancer.
- BRCA screening helps you know the risk for developing breast or ovarian cancer which helps you in managing your life in a healthier way, which involves changes in lifestyle that results in a healthy life.
