5 health benefits of genetic testing in preventing hereditary gynecologic cancers

Genetic testing enables the identification of mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 that are associated with a higher risk of gynecologic cancers like ovarian and breast cancer (Image: Canva)

Genetic testing can help identify inherited gene mutations that increase the risk of certain cancers. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), it’s often recommended for people with a strong family history of cancer, such as those with several family members who had breast cancer, or for those diagnosed with cancer at a young age or with rare cancer types.

Testing can help determine if someone is at higher risk for other cancers and guide family members in deciding if they should be tested. However, most people, even those with cancer, don’t need this test unless there’s a strong family history or early cancer diagnosis.

Gynecologic cancers, particularly ovarian and breast cancer, poses significant health risks, with breast cancer claiming 670,000 and ovarian cancer claiming 207,000 lives globally in 2022, says Dr Suruchi Aggarwal, PhD, Head Scientific Affairs, MedGenome. “About 10 percent of ovarian cancers and 3 percent of breast cancers are linked to inherited BRCA gene mutations, which can be passed down from either parent with a 50 percent chance of inheritance. Early detection through genetic testing may enable targeted interventions that can significantly reduce the impact of these cancers on women’s lives,” she adds.

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Dr Aggarwal shares 5 key benefits of genetic testing in preventing hereditary gynecologic cancers:

Early detection and prevention: Genetic testing enables the identification of mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 that are associated with a higher risk of gynecologic cancers like ovarian and breast cancer. Women who test positive for these mutations can take preventive actions early, including more frequent screenings, risk-reducing surgeries, or chemoprevention to lower their chances of developing cancer.

Personalised treatment plans: For women diagnosed with gynecologic cancers, understanding their genetic profile allows doctors to develop personalised treatment plans. This includes targeted therapies designed to attack the specific genetic mutations responsible for cancer growth, resulting in more effective treatments with fewer side effects.

Informed family planning: Genetic testing offers important insights for women considering starting a family. By using preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) during IVF, experts can identify embryos which are free of cancer mutations that can cause hereditary cancers in addition to other single-gene disorders like fragile X syndrome, Huntington disease and more.

Empowering family members: Knowing one’s genetic predisposition to gynecologic cancers empowers women to adopt proactive healthcare measures. Close family members can take proactive measures if a genetic or inherited condition has been diagnosed through genetic testing at the right time.

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Clinical trials: Genetic testing plays a vital role in basket trials, allowing researchers to determine the effectiveness of specific treatments for people with shared gene mutations. This can enable doctors to match patients with clinical trials for new cancer drugs or experimental therapies that may be more effective than existing options.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.