9 January, 2019
New barnaclínic+ genetic test to detect risk of cancer, early diagnosis and prevention
For the past few days, barnaclínic+ has been offering the possibility of carrying out a genetic test to detect cancer risk. It is an early detection test for the risk of developing some types of cancer and, above all, what is known as hereditary cancer.
WHAT IS HEREDITARY CANCER?
Hereditary cancer is one caused by a hereditary predisposition. Up to 10% of all cancers are hereditary. This means that the mutation of certain genes is repeated among members of the same family, an alteration that increases the risk of developing tumours.
“Up to 10% of all cancers are hereditary. The mutation of certain genes is repeated among members of the same family”
HOW DOES THE GENETIC TEST OF CANCER RISK DETECTION WORK?
To carry out the cancer genetic test, a blood sample is taken from the interested party in order to obtain their DNA. The sequence obtained is compared with the reference sequence, which confirms or rules out the presence of the mutation that could predispose them to develop cancer.
TYPES OF GENETIC TEST
There are two types of genetic test to detect cancer risk:
- First case in a family with suspected hereditary cancer: In this case all the genes related to the cancers that are present in the family must be studied at the same time. This technique, based on the massive sequencing of DNA is laborious, and it is necessary to interpret the causality of the variants found.
- A family in which the causative mutation is already known: In this type of study only the genetic alteration already known in the family is analysed. Unlike the previous technique, it is faster and easier.
WHO CAN BE INTERESTED IN THE GENETIC TEST OF CANCER RISK DETECTION?
The cancer genetic study may interest, on the one hand, people without cancer pathology who have a family history of cancer. On the other hand, it is also of interest for patients with cancer who have a family history of cancer, a younger age of diagnosis than would be expected in the general population, bilateral or multifocal tumours, more than one primary tumour or infrequent or characteristic tumours.
Are you interested in a genetic test to detect cancer risk?
barnaclínic+ offers you the possibility of making an appointment to carry out a genetic test of cancer risk. Once you have made your request, we will contact you, attempting to take your preferences into account as much as possible.
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU ARE A SUBJECT ABLE TO TAKE A GENETIC TEST?
In order to know if the study criteria are met, it is necessary to have a first visit with a genetic counsellor so that the risk of cancer can be well assessed. In this visit, a thorough review of personal and family history will be conducted, and the likelihood that it may be a hereditary cancer will be established.
THE GENETIC TEST OF THE DETECTION OF RISK OF CANCER AT BARNACLÍNIC+
At barnaclínic+ we offer comprehensive care in the process of diagnosis of hereditary cancer by professionals with proven experience. With respect to the genetic study, we offer complete genetic counselling, with the latest technology, and the best interpretation and communication of the results by expert professionals and international leaders. Our offer consists of a visit prior to and another following the genetic test, in addition to a later referral with the indicated specialists depending on the results.
“Today, at barnaclínic+, we have the possibility to perform genetic testing and analyze up to 94 genes which will allow us to identify the different hereditary cancers that exists. It’s identification is important because it will allow us to a series of preventive mesures”
Dr. Aleix Prat
