Empowering Lives: A Journey into Preventive Oncology and Genomics in Cancer
In conversation with Dr. L. Rohit Reddy
Cancer is one of the most feared diagnoses — but it is also one of the most preventable and detectable diseases when approached with the right tools. In this conversation, Dr. L. Rohit Reddy shares his insights on preventive oncology, the role of genomics in cancer care, and how genetic testing is transforming the way we think about cancer risk, early detection, and treatment.
What Is Preventive Oncology?
Preventive oncology is the field of medicine focused on reducing cancer risk before cancer develops. It encompasses:
Primary prevention — lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, tobacco cessation, sun protection) that reduce cancer risk
Chemoprevention — use of medications or supplements to reduce cancer risk in high-risk individuals
Genetic risk assessment — identifying individuals with hereditary cancer predisposition syndromes who need enhanced surveillance or risk-reducing interventions
Cancer screening — early detection of cancer or pre-cancerous lesions in asymptomatic individuals
The Role of Genomics in Cancer
Genomics has transformed cancer care in two fundamental ways. First, germline (inherited) genetic testing identifies individuals with hereditary cancer predisposition syndromes — such as BRCA1/2 mutations (hereditary breast and ovarian cancer), Lynch syndrome (hereditary colorectal cancer), and Li-Fraumeni syndrome — enabling targeted surveillance and risk-reducing interventions. Second, somatic (tumour) genomic testing identifies the specific mutations driving a patient’s cancer, enabling targeted therapy selection and precision oncology.
Why Genetic Counselling Is Essential in Oncology
Genetic counselling is an essential component of hereditary cancer risk assessment. A certified genetic counsellor takes a detailed family and personal history, assesses hereditary cancer risk, facilitates appropriate genetic testing, interprets results in clinical context, and provides psychosocial support — helping patients and families make informed decisions about surveillance, risk reduction, and family testing.
Know Your Hereditary Cancer Risk
Oncomap by MapmyGenome offers a comprehensive hereditary cancer risk panel covering 15+ cancer types common in Indians, including breast, ovarian, colorectal, and gastric cancer. Includes certified genetic counselling.
