Cancer-related genes

Why is this test important for your Healthspan?

Cancer Prevention — Longevity

Most cancers develop over decades, long before symptoms appear. Identifying inherited genetic risk early allows individuals to take proactive steps—screening sooner, screening more often, modifying lifestyle risk factors, and engaging in surveillance that catches disease in its earliest, most treatable stage. This panel analyzes genes linked to hereditary cancer predisposition across major organ systems including breast, ovarian, uterine, colorectal, pancreatic, gastric, thyroid, prostate, melanoma, and others. A positive result doesn't mean cancer will occur, but it signals increased susceptibility that can be managed through evidence-based prevention rather than reaction.

Understanding hereditary risk empowers families as well as individuals. When a pathogenic variant is found, first-degree relatives may also carry the mutation, opening the door for cascade testing and multi-generational prevention. Even when results are negative, the test can reduce uncertainty for those with strong family history and help guide personalized cancer screening decisions. Early knowledge becomes leverage—shifting cancer care from detection to prevention, and supporting longer, healthier years lived.

What is the Hereditary Cancer DNA Test?

This test analyzes a curated set of genes known to increase lifetime cancer risk when altered. It identifies germline mutations—heritable changes present in every cell of the body, passed biologically from parent to child. These differ from somatic mutations, which develop in tumour tissue over time; this panel is not designed for tumour profiling.

The genes included span multiple pathways involved in DNA repair, cell cycle regulation, tumor suppression, and genomic stability. Mutations in these pathways can reduce the body's ability to correct DNA damage, leading to higher risk of uncontrolled cell growth and cancer formation. Because hereditary cancers can present differently even within families, genetic testing is often more reliable than clinical history alone when assessing risk. Results can support diagnosis, clarify prognosis, guide screening frequency, influence surgical or medical risk-reduction decisions, and inform potential eligibility for clinical trials. Genetic counselling is recommended to interpret findings and support next-step planning for you and your family.

How do we take action?

Medical Follow-up — Prevention Strategy — Family Planning

If a pathogenic variant is identified, management becomes proactive rather than reactive. Targeted actions may include earlier or more frequent screening (e.g., MRI instead of mammogram alone), surveillance for cancers that otherwise wouldn't be screened for until later in life, preventative medications, or risk-reducing surgery in selected cases. Lifestyle optimization—maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol, not smoking, prioritizing sleep, eating a nutrient-dense anti-inflammatory diet, and staying physically active—can further reduce risk and support cellular health. Genetic counselling helps interpret results, communicate risk to family members, and coordinate cascade testing when appropriate. Even if results are negative, continuing age-appropriate screening and healthy habits remains essential. Knowledge creates choice—and when used well, can meaningfully extend healthspan.

Additional resources

1. Daly, M. B., et al. (2021). NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology: Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Breast, Ovarian, and Pancreatic. Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, 19(1), 77–102. https://doi.org/10.6004/jnccn.2021.0001
2. Samadder, N. J., et al. (2020). Universal Genetic Testing for Hereditary Cancer Syndromes: Rethinking Testing Criteria for Patients With Cancer. JAMA Oncology, 6(2), 187–193. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaoncol.2019.3322

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