Understanding the Genetics of Cancer

There are different things that need to be understood while dealing cancer. It can affect any parts of the body, be it our head, neck or abdomen. In any case, there will be abnormal division of cells which destroy body tissue. It starts from a small tumor and when this tumor invades other part of the body, it is known as cancer. If it is diagnosed at an early stage, then it can be contained. In later stages, it is extremely difficult to completely remove cancer from the body. It can be transferred from a parent to the child. To know more about this, consult genetic counseling centers in India.

Most cancers develop in the body when due to fault of gene. As we age, there may be some random mistake during the process of division of cell. These faulty genes increase the risk of cancer to pass from a parent to the child. These are called inherited cancer genes. Susceptibility gene is the term which is given to genes that increase the risk of cancer.

Cells may be become cancerous when they inherit a faulty copy of one of these genes. Normally, these genes protect us and ward off the cancer. It can be inherited from both the parents. Each child has a 50 percent chance of inheriting cancer if a parent has fault in the gene. Children who are born with one inherited faulty gene have a higher risk of developing particular type of cancer.

These cancers are less common than that caused due to gene changes caused by aging or other factors. Only about 2 or 3 cancers diagnosed are linked to this type of cancer. Some of the faults increase the risk by a small amount and some other increase the risk by much more. This is why counseling has become critical.

Genetic counseling is a process for all the individuals and families who have inherited risk of the cancer. In these sessions, risks are discussed and you are provided information and support to facilitate informed decision making. In these sessions, you will be told about the following points – • Based on the family history, your risk of developing certain types of cancer.• Types and number of tests that can give you information about the risk of cancer.• Limitations and actual testing process of these tests.• Consequences of knowing the result of the tests leading to emotional, psychological and social trauma.• Screening of cancer and monitoring options.• Privacy of your genetic information.• Discussing risk of cancer with your family members.• Diagnostic options along with the treatment that is available.

There needs to be preparation done for your appointment with counselor. You should have your medical records ready with you. Pathology reports are lab test results from any biopsies, surgeries and screening examinations. A list of family members which includes person’s current age or age the time of death should be there. Even if you have any information about your family history, then also counseling is a must.

It is advisable to take someone with you while going to the appointment. It can even be a friend and depends on your preference. After the appointment, you will be given written relevant information of the testing done. After the tests, it may be seen if you need cancer screening or not. There are two types of genetic mutations acquired mutations and gremline mutations.

Acquired mutation is the most common cause of cancer. It occurs from damage to genes in a particular cell. Cancer that occurs because of this type of mutation is called as sporadic cancer. It is caused due to tobacco, UV radiation, virus etc. Gremline mutations are less common. It occurs in a sperm cell or an egg cell. As the embryos grow into a baby, the mutation from the initial sperm or egg cell is copied into every cell of the body.

At BLK, you will get the finest genetic counseling program treatment in Delhi. It is the most preferred destination because of the accurate diagnosis and treatment.BLK Hospital understands the importance of genetic counseling and the amount of lives that can be saved by this program. We have highly trained counselors who are sensitive to the problem of Cancer and impart their service with compassion.

BLK Super Speciality Hospital is the largest stand-alone private sector hospital in Delhi. BLK comprehensive Cancer Care with organ specific specialist teams makes it best Cancer Hospital in India.