Which Cancers are Hereditary?

Sometimes, I wonder how medical blogs have NUMBERS that not only startle the readers but also makes them wonder, “What If I am amongst them tomorrow too?”

Here Is What You Need To Know About Hereditary Cancers

Until recently, little did we know, that even RISK (not investment risks) for a fatal disease such as cancer could also be inherited. Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) syndrome, clearly outlines those who are at an increased susceptibility of acquiring breast and ovarian cancer by inheritance.

We know by now that mutations (sudden genetic alterations) increase the risk for developing cancers. BRCA mutations is a common cause for most of the inherited breast and ovarian cancer.  Does this mean, if the great grand mother was BRCA positive and died due to breast cancer, the grandchild is at an INCREASED susceptibility for the same? Yes! People with a mutation in either the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene are at a risk of developing breast cancer (87%) and ovarian cancer (39-63%) by the age of 70.

Coming all the way from the times of biopsies to simple blood tests, diagnostic tests such as BRACAnalyis serve as guide in this journey. BRACAnalyis  is a simple diagnostic test that checks for the presence of BRCA mutation using blood sample. Early and accurate diagnosis is a key to successful cancer treatment. If someone tests positive for BRCA mutation, the person shows an increased risk for breast cancer (87%) and ovarian cancer (44%).

BRACAnalyis  helps to make the treatment regime focused and targeted. Recent statistics show that 76% of women chose to undergo BRCA mutation testing. Of these 79% used genetic test results to aid in their surgical decision making. It allows to reduce the risk of drugs that could potentially deteriorate the patients’ health and therefore affect the future decisions as well.

Cancer is scavenging masses, but effective diagnostics in the market, let us become proactive and fight it through before it leeches us through!