Hereditary Cancer Occurs when an individual inherits a mutation in a cancer-causing gene.
Hereditary breast–ovarian cancer syndromes (HBOC) is One of the most studied hereditary cancer syndromes.
BRCA Mutations is the Major contributors to HBOC risk.
Several other genes also contribute to HBOC risk.
Inherited mutations increase the risk of developing cancer.
Hereditary cancers are rarer but tend to develop earlier.
Hereditary cancers are a significant public health issue in India due to its large population.
Importance of BRCA Testing
Women with BRCA mutations have a significantly higher risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
Prophylactic mastectomy (a surgical procedure that removes one or both breasts to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer) and oophorectomy (a surgical procedure to remove one or both ovaries) can significantly reduce cancer risk.
BRCA mutations are associated with seven types of cancer, emphasizing the broader clinical relevance of testing.
Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women in India.
BRCA Mutations Contribute to a significant portion of breast and ovarian cancers in India.
BRCA mutations are more common in individuals with a family history of cancer.
BRCA testing offers the potential for cancer prevention in addition to its use in therapy.
Inequities in BRCA Testing
Relying on family history can miss many actionable cases.
Identifying mutations after cancer development is a failure of prevention.
Traditional guidelines can perpetuate health inequalities.
Large-scale population testing is feasible with advancements in technology.
Public education and affordable testing are crucial for implementing population testing.
The cost of BRCA testing in India can be a barrier for population-level screening.
Cost-effectiveness and affordability are essential for sustainable interventions.
Breast cancer is a public health priority due to its prevalence and effective interventions.
Proper genetic counseling is essential for individuals with positive BRCA results.
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