Genetics is the field of science that examines how certain traits such as eye color are passed down from parents to children via genes. Genes are parts of DNA that are located inside our cells, and they “tell” the cell how to produce the proteins the body needs to function. Genes affect the inherited traits that are passed down from parents to children and can sometimes affect whether a person is likely to develop diseases such as dementia, skin disorders, or cancer.
The truth is that every person runs the risk of developing cancer and most of the time it develops by chance or due to environmental factors. However, some people are genetically predisposed to developing cancer due to their genes.
Generally speaking, Geneway is looking at two areas for risk of cancer: lack of detoxification abilities and build-up of ‘bad’ estrogens.
If the genes that must tell your body to detoxify cannot do so, it increases the risk of cancer if you are exposed to that particular toxin. For example, if a gene called NQO1 does not work, it means it cannot detoxify benzene-products, including the preservatives Benzoic Acid. If someone with a dysfunctional NQO1 gene consumes products with Benzoic Acid, it increases the risk, especially for colon and bladder cancer.
There are several other examples as well since there are so many different toxins – the different toxins are often metabolized by different genes and are associated with different types of cancer – but they are all falling under the umbrella of poor detoxification.
The second cancer risk is about how your body can get rid of bad estrogens. Bad estrogen build-up can increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancers.
Can I Test for Cancer Genes?
No, a genetic test can’t predict whether you will develop cancer or not, but it can determine what your chance of developing cancer is.
The value of this type of testing that Geneway provides is to identify the risks and be able to implement changes that can then assist in reducing the risks and exposures as well as increase or decrease certain nutrients – thus these tests are not diagnostic.
If you are looking to see which test would help identify cancer risks, the GeneWell test would be the test to select.
If you complete the test and your test comes back positive, it means that the laboratory found a gene mutation that is associated with hereditary cancer syndrome. Here are a few facts that a positive result could reveal.
- It can indicate a higher risk of the future development of certain cancer(s).
- It could show a specific genetic change that does not put the individual at a higher risk of developing cancer. However, if they have children with someone that has the same abnormal gene, their child could inherit a higher risk of developing cancer.
- It could suggest that there is a need for further testing and a possible lifestyle change.
- It can also provide important information that can help other family members make decisions about their healthcare.
- Lastly, if someone has tested positive for an increased risk of developing cancer, they can take steps to lower their risk of cancer development and can possibly detect cancer earlier, resulting in earlier treatment.
What is the Cost of Genetic Testing for Cancer?
The cost of genetic testing for cancer can vary according to the specific type of test requested. In South Africa, a test can be anywhere between R1500 and R13 000.
To ensure that you get the full benefits of a genetic test, contact Geneway.
