World Cancer Day: What You Need to Know About Cancer and Genetics
“The revolution in cancer research can be summed up in a single sentence: cancer is, in essence, a genetic disease.” — Bert Vogelstein
What Is Cancer?
Cancer occurs when certain cells in the body are no longer growing normally and are dividing uncontrollably. This abnormal cell growth occurs because of a change in the cell’s DNA that hinders the body’s intrinsic ability to identify and get rid of abnormally-growing cells. Sometimes a genetic predisposition can be inherited, increasing the susceptibility of cells to grow abnormally.
Are All Cancers Hereditary?
No. Most cancers are sporadic, meaning they occur due to a combination of lifestyle, environmental exposures, ageing, and genetics. Only about 5–10% of cancers are hereditary. All cancers are genetic, but not all cancers are hereditary.
Signs of Hereditary Cancer
Multiple generations of people diagnosed with the same or related cancers
Early age of cancer diagnosis, usually under age 50
People with more than one type of cancer
Presence of rare cancers (such as ovarian cancer or males with breast cancer)
Why Speak to a Genetic Counsellor?
A genetic counsellor can assess your personal and family health history to determine if cancers could be hereditary and recommend genetic testing
If your result is positive: concrete recommendations for screening and management to detect cancer early or reduce your risk
If your result is negative: personalised screening and management recommendations based on your family history
What’s the Point of Finding Out My Risk?
Ability to personalise screening and management to reduce cancer risk
Medically actionable information for other at-risk family members
Personalised treatments for certain cancers based on underlying genetic causes
Know Your Cancer Risk Before It Knows You
Genomepatri by MapmyGenome reveals your genetic predisposition for 20+ cancer types from a simple saliva swab. Oncomap offers a comprehensive hereditary cancer risk panel. Both include certified genetic counselling from India’s most experienced team.
