Cancer is a disease that starts in the cells of the body. According to the National Cancer Institute, each year, over 1.6 million Americans are diagnosed with cancer, and over 580,000 die from the disease. There are many different types of cancer, each with its own causes and treatments. Some common types of cancer include breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer, and colon cancer. Getting screened regularly and making healthy lifestyle choices is key to preventing cancer. Many patients who may be genetically prone to certain types of cancer, may opt for the following cancer testing:
1. Gene expression tests
Gene expression tests are laboratory tests that are used to measure the activity of certain genes in a person’s tumor cells. These tests can help doctors understand how a tumor is likely to behave and what treatment or treatments may be most effective for it. These types of tests are used to help guide decisions about treatments for several types of cancers, including breast cancer, colon cancer, and leukemia.
2. Newborn screening
Newborn screening for cancer is a simple blood test that is done soon after birth. This screening can detect some kinds of cancer in babies before any signs or symptoms appear. If the screening finds an abnormality, further testing will be needed to determine whether it is cancer or something else.
3. Chromosomal tests
Chromosomal testing is a type of laboratory test that can be used to check for the presence of any genetic diseases. This includes cancer, as certain changes in chromosomes have been linked to different types of cancer. Chromosomal testing can identify these changes and help doctors determine if someone may have an increased risk of developing certain cancers.
4. Germline testing
Germline testing is a type of genetic testing used to identify cancer-causing gene mutations. This type of testing looks for changes or mutations in specific genes that may increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer, such as breast or ovarian cancer. Results from this type of testing can help doctors determine the best course of treatment and provide patients with more information about their own risk of cancer. This test is done by collecting and analyzing a sample of the patient’s blood or saliva.
5. Molecular testing
Molecular tests are used to analyze the cancer cells in order to identify genetic mutations that may be driving the cancer. This specific type of testing can help doctors determine the best way to treat a particular type of cancer, based on which genes are mutated. This type of testing can also help detect drug resistance and predict how well a patient will respond to treatment. Testing is done by collecting and analyzing a sample of the patient’s tumor tissue.
