'There is a need for cancer genetic counselling'

If you have a family history of cancer, it is better that you undergo a counselling session to assess your risk factors for developing the disease and take necessary precautions. For example, if any of your blood relatives have cancer, be it breast cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, or pancreatic cancer, there are chances of you developing one too, as these cancers are caused by BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. As part of its Cancer Prevention Programme, Healthcare Global (HCG) has introduced Cancer Genetic Counselling at its centre. In a discussion with DNA, Dr Amit Verma, senior consultant, molecular oncology and cancer genetics, spoke about the need for cancer genetic counselling.

What is cancer genetic counselling?
Cancer genetic counselling is an interaction between an individual and a genetic counsellor to understand the risk factors involved in cancer. Tracing defect in the genes is the main goal. Statistics show that out of every 100 cancer cases, five to 10 are hereditary.

Who should you recommend to come forward for genetic counselling?
Any person with a history of cancer running in the family, ideally, should come for counselling. Also, any oncology patient who has an unusual cancer or cancer at an early age or history of multiple cancers running in the family should undergo genetic counselling to prevent development of another cancer.

What does the whole process of cancer genetic counselling involve?
First a questionnaire is given to the person or patient who comes for genetic counselling. Based on the responses, it is decided by the genetic counsellor whether the person is in a high, medium or a low-risk category. This is followed by a series of tests including blood test to know the genetic make-up, chest x-ray, ultrasonography, colonoscopy, etc. For those who come under the high-risk category, the frequency of these tests is high. However, to begin with the counselling, the counsellors need the detailed health information of at least three generations.

Who can be a cancer genetic counsellor?
Trained professionals in genetics and their assistants can take up genetic counselling. But in India, these specialists are very few in number. However oncologists, especially molecular oncologists who have a fair knowledge about genes, can serve as counsellors. Also, professionals with an MSc in genetics and applied sciences can be genetic counsellors.