Danae Paleologu, Molecular Biologist, MSc, PhD informs us
October has been established as breast cancer awareness and information month, with representatives of the medical community, patient associations, but also women who have come out victorious from the battle with breast cancer joining their voices, spreading the message of prevention and of early diagnosis.
The continuous development of new technologies has equipped the medical community with many diagnostic methods in order to be able to diagnose suspected lesions at an early stage. In this battle against breast cancer, Genetics is coming to give new “weapons” to the medical quiver, offering us the possibility of determining for each woman the individualized risk of developing the disease. For the assessment of this risk, an important role is played both by the family history, i.e. if there is another relative who has suffered from cancer, and the results of a genetic test.
Genetic testing and prevention of breast cancer
In the context of prevention it is important for every woman to know if she has an increased risk of developing breast cancer compared to the general population.
Genetic testing as a means of prevention aims to analyze certain genes, which when mutated are associated with a higher probability of the occurrence of certain types of cancer, including breast, ovarian and endometrial cancer.
Detecting dangerous gene mutations
The Genesis Genome Labexploiting all the possibilities of modern next-generation sequencing technology offers an expanded genetic control of 30 genes related to the genetic predisposition to develop breast cancer and other frequent cancer syndromes.
Which patients should be screened for gene mutations
Genetic testing for hereditary predisposition to breast cancer is aimed at:
- in women who have had breast cancer at a young age,
- in women and men who have other people in their family who have developed breast cancer at a young age or have developed more than one type of cancer
- to any woman who wishes to know whether she has an increased risk of breast cancer
Accuracy of genetic testing
The accuracy of genetic tests carried out with modern molecular biology methods is very high. A positive result, in which a pathological mutation was detected in one of the analyzed genes, means that the examinee has an increased probability of developing one or some types of cancer in the course of her life.
Interpreting genetic test results
In any case, before and after the test is carried out, it is recommended to carry out genetic counseling, i.e. a discussion with a qualified clinical geneticist, who will explain to the examinee the procedure, benefits and limitations of each test, as well as the significance of the results genetic control, both for the examinee and for his family members.
In case of a pathological finding, the examinee should also contact an oncologist, who is responsible for the comprehensive management of the case through clinical monitoring and the selection of appropriate treatment.
Danae PalaiologosMolecular Biologist, MSc, PhD, who has specialized in genetic carrier testing, molecular diagnosis of genetic disorders and prenatal testing, applying modern molecular biology techniques.
A few words about Genesis Genoma Lab
The laboratory Genesis Genome Lab is staffed by Geneticists and Biologists with comprehensive clinical and laboratory experience in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of genetic diseases.
Follow the Genesis Genoma Workshop at Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
