Cancer is a very dangerous and frightening disease. Genetic testing can be extremely helpful in finding out if you’re at risk of developing this disease. However, there are different types of genetic testing for cancer, and all have specific uses. Although the type of test you choose depends on your individual situation and cancer risk, these tests may offer some peace of mind:
1. Molecular tests
This type of testing looks for mutations in specific genes to determine if a particular gene has been altered. These tests are done with some of the most common types of cancer, such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and prostate cancer. Molecular testing is generally done before any other type of testing because there is no point in finding out whether you have a mutation in your genes or not when you already know there is a presence or absence of certain types of cancers.
2. Chromosomal tests
This type of testing involves looking at the DNA of cells that have been removed from a tumor. This type of testing is often used in conjunction with other genetic testing for cancer. This type of genetic testing will indicate whether cancer has spread to another part of the body and what stage it is at. It involves looking at the chromosomes and finding out how much of one chromosome has been altered and whether that affects cancer.
3. Germline testing
This type of testing determines if a child will inherit a disease from their parents. This testing would have to be done if you’re trying to decide whether or not to have a child and if you are trying to determine whether your child has inherited a particular genetic mutation. If you are a parent, germline testing can help you know if your child has an increased risk of developing cancer in the future. It involves checking out the genes of both you and your partner to find out if either of you has a defective gene that can potentially cause cancer. The test is usually done during pregnancy if there is any reason to suspect that your child will develop cancer in the future.
4. Gene expression tests
This type of testing allows the physician to get more cancer information. It is done by examining the RNA inside the tumor cells, and it gives information on how aggressive and invasive the cancer is. Generally, this test can also determine if chemotherapy or radiation therapy successfully killed cancer cells. The results have a great impact on how treatment will proceed after surgery and whether other therapies are needed for regression or suppression of cancers.
5. Newborn screening
This type of testing is done on a newborn baby to check for certain genetic abnormalities. The blood test reveals the presence and absence of certain proteins in the blood, which are important factors determining whether the baby has an increased risk of developing cancer. This genetic testing can give parents information about whether their child is at risk for certain diseases, like hemophilia or sickle cell disease.
The most prevalent cancer types include prostate cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, and leukemia. However, many other conditions also have genetic testing available to determine whether you are at risk for them. Genetic testing is an important part of understanding your risk for certain cancers and other diseases. It is also an important tool in developing a treatment plan to help prevent cancer or treat it. Genetic testing can also communicate the risks involved to children to take preventative measures as well. It’s good to do genetic testing if you’re considering having a baby because it will be easier to get a proper diagnosis and get treatment if something goes wrong.
