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Genetic testing will boost preventive healthcare since it estimates genetic risks to various diseases based on one’s DNA. Technologically advanced prevention tools like genetic testing can contribute to personalizing the healthcare for an individual, thereby reducing the curative costs of non-communicable diseases like cancer, said Amol Naikawadi, joint managing director, Indus Health Plus.
About 30% of people are currently affected with cancer and majority of them are diagnosed at the last stage which makes it difficult to treat. Going by these challenges, we have observed that the public has generally been supportive of germline genetic testing. Research shows that despite diverse causal beliefs and context factors there is an uptake in the genetic testing, he added.
As DNA is the blueprint of life, a genetic test uncovers an array of genetic information that ranges from knowing about one’s ethnic roots and family tree to the risk of developing various complex health conditions. Some of these tests may also give information about nutrition, fitness, skincare, habits, and even food preferences based on the genetic makeup, said Naikawadi.
The results of the genetic tests gives them a guidance to personalize lifestyle by making changes in diet and fitness plan. This can considerably delay or event prevent the onset of diseases by observing relevant symptoms, and planning regular health checkups.
Around 5 to 10% of cancer cases are hereditary. Inheriting a genetic variant linked to a particular cancer or a spectrum of cancers from either of the parents makes the person much more likely to develop that cancer. Cancers like breast, ovarian, colorectal, prostate, and endometrial occasionally run in the family. However, it is important to realize most cancers are related to sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and unhealthy dietary habits, which means that a significant proportion of cancer cases can be prevented through correct and timely intervention, said the Indus Health chief.
Prior knowledge about genetic risk for certain cancers can help devise a focused screening strategy that may facilitate prevention and early detection, thereby reducing the emotional and financial stress. Moreover, increased awareness and education about early detection can effectively contribute to curbing cancer incidences, he noted.
Personalized genetic testing analyses an individual's genome that help scientists identify specific genetic variants linked with the disease. The test is mostly done through saliva or blood samples. Post the reporting procedure, a genetic counselor recommends lifestyle changes based on one’s genetic test report and medical- family history. Different types of genetic tests are available Individuals at increased risk for developing certain cancers because of family history should opt for a specific clinical genetic test.
If an individual has a genetic risk of developing a disease it can be preventive with a protocol in place. These could be through dietary and fitness modifications as per their genetic code.
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