Nearly every family in the world is affected by cancer, and according to the World Health Organization, there were over 18 million new cases of cancer in 2018. However bleak those numbers are, there is also good news: up to 50% of cancers could be avoided or their effects lessened through preventive measures.

Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie had a double mastectomy following the discovery that she carries a harmful mutation in BRCA1, the so-called “breast cancer gene.” She decided to resort to this extreme preventive measure because of the genetic variation she carried that severely increased her chances of getting the disease. Another actress, Christina Applegate, was diagnosed in 2008 and also underwent a bilateral mastectomy after learning about her own BRCA gene.

But cancer isn’t limited to one type or even gender. It can affect everyone, occur anywhere in the body with no regard to age. The environment, lifestyle, and genetic predisposition are the key factors that influence the development of cancer. Therefore cancer risk awareness is crucial for effective prevention and successful treatment.

Luckily medicine has advanced to the stage where doctors can take personalized medicine to a new level – to our very own DNA. Although cancer might seem like a constant threat hanging over our heads, the fact that half of the cases can be prevented with a healthy lifestyle and with preventive measures should be both a consolation and a motivation.

CANCER SCREEN: SIMPLE, SAFE, RELIABLE.

In 10–15 % of cancer cases, the cause is genetic predisposition which we can inherit. This is where early detection saves lives.

Cancer Screen is one of the most extensive cancer risk tests. It includes 49 genes associated with 17 types of hereditary cancer, determined by the latest scientific research. The most critical screened mutations are BRCA1 and BRCA2, which highly increase the chance of developing breast and ovarian cancer.

There are three packages available: BASIC, STANDARD and PLUS. They vary according to the number of genes they screen for. The PLUS test is suitable for men as well as women.

One simple saliva sample is all that is required to extract the DNA and perform the genetic analysis. The chosen doctor will receive a report based on which a patient will learn their genetic predisposition for the most common cancers and receive advice on what can they do to reduce their risk. If a pathogenic variant is discovered, Cancer Screen provides genetic counseling. It takes into account family history and gives a comprehensive cancer risk assessment. Together with the chosen doctor, we can then plan further testing and preventative measures.

Take your health into your own hands, as said by Mrs. Jolie: “Life comes with many challenges. The ones that should not scare us are the ones we can take on and take control of.”                     

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