Is it a waste of money to do genetic testing to check for cancer? There are several types of people who are better off doing it than not doing it

Genetic testing is the use of medical tests to look for certain mutations in human genes. There are many types of genetic tests currently in use, and more are being developed. Genetic testing is also used in medicine to detect early cancer, but how well do you know about genetic testing? Changes in genes, called mutations, play an important role in the development of cancer. Mutations can cause cells to produce (or not produce) proteins that affect cell growth and division into new cells. Certain mutations can cause cells to grow out of control, leading to cancer. Despite this, only about 5%-10% of all cancers are thought to be closely related to inherited genetic mutations.

Predictive genetic testing is a type of test that looks for inherited gene mutations. This type of test may be recommended if a person has a higher risk of developing a certain type of cancer, such as the following.

Case 1: Check whether you carry a gene mutation that increases your risk

If they do have a genetic mutation, they may want to get screened for cancer early, or even take steps to reduce their risk, such as testing for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes for breast cancer.

Case 2: Finding out the risk of cancer patients developing other cancers

Genetic testing may show whether a person with that cancer is at higher risk for certain other cancers, and it can also help other family members decide whether to be tested for the mutation.

Most people (even people with cancer) don't need this type of genetic testing. It's usually done when family history suggests there's a cancer that may be inherited.

If these conditions are met, genetic testing can be performed

Doctors recommend genetic counseling and genetic testing for people who have certain cancers or are at risk for certain cancers. You may consider genetic testing if you have any of the following:

1. Multiple first-degree relatives with cancer (mother, father, sister, brother, child);

2. Many relatives on one side of the family suffer from the same type of cancer;

3. A cluster of cancers in your family that are known to be associated with a single gene mutation (e.g. breast, ovarian, and pancreatic cancer in your family);

4. Family members suffering from more than one type of cancer;

5. Family members who develop cancer at a younger age than the normal population;

6. Close relatives with cancer associated with rare hereditary cancer syndromes;

7. Family members with rare cancers, such as serotonin or retinoblastoma;

8. Race (e.g., Jewish ancestry is associated with ovarian and breast cancer);

9. Benign tumors associated with hereditary cancer (e.g., many colon polyps);

10. Known gene mutations in one or more family members who have undergone genetic testing.

If you are concerned that a family member has cancer, or if you have had cancer in the past or have other cancer risk factors, you may want to discuss with your physician whether genetic testing is right for you.

Cancer prevention is still based on prevention. Genetic testing is only a screening method for specific populations and is not suitable for everyone. Therefore, the prevention method is to maintain and maintain one's own immunity.