Genetic counseling and cancer prevention: escorting health

Genetic counseling and cancer prevention: escorting health

Today, we all know that the occurrence of cancer is not accidental. In addition to lifestyle and environmental factors, genetic factors also play a key role in the onset of cancer. So how can genetic counseling help prevent cancer? Let's find out.

Genetic counseling is a professional process that acts as a navigator to help people understand the link between their genetic background and cancer risk. Professional genetic link with cancer risk. A professional genetic counselor will first carefully ask the family history to find out if there are any cancer patients in the family, as well as the type of cancer they have, age and other information. These seemingly trivial details are in fact important clues to unlock the genetic code. For example, if multiple women in a family are diagnosed with breast cancer at a relatively young age, this may indicate the presence of certain genetic mutations associated with inherited breast cancer.

The genetic counselor will then evaluate and guide the genetic testing. Genetic testing is like a "magnifying glass" that can more accurately detect possible cancer-causing gene mutations. Not everyone needs a full genetic test, though. A genetic counselor will determine which genetic tests are necessary based on family history and individual circumstances. For women with a family history of ovarian cancer, for example, it may be important to test for mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which are strongly associated with a higher risk of ovarian and breast cancer.

By understanding genetic risk, we can take targeted cancer prevention measures. For people with certain high-risk genetic mutations, regular cancer screening is essential. In the case of breast cancer, for example, women with a BRCA gene mutation may need annual magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) from the age of 25 to 30, in conjunction with mammography screening, in order to detect signs of cancer at an early stage. Because cancer is detected early, the success rate of treatment is greatly improved.

Lifestyle adjustment is also an important part of cancer prevention. Even if you carry a genetic risk, a healthy lifestyle can reduce your risk of cancer to some extent. Regular physical exercise can strengthen the body's immunity and maintain a normal weight. Studies have shown that 150 minutes or more of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise a week, such as brisk walking and jogging, can reduce the risk of many types of cancer. It's also important to eat a proper diet, eating more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, reducing your intake of red and processed meats, and avoiding foods high in sugar, fat, and salt to help maintain a healthy state of the body.

In addition, preventive surgery is an option. For some people with very high risk genetic mutations, such as BRCA mutation carriers, preventive surgery to remove both the mastectomy and ovaries can significantly reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Of course, this is a very personal and carefully considered decision, and under the guidance of a genetic counselor and doctor, patients can fully understand the pros and cons of surgery and make the best choice for them.

Genetic counseling is like creating a precise map of our health so that we know exactly where our genetic risk lies. Through early risk assessment, regular screening, lifestyle adjustments and, if necessary, preventive surgery, we can be more proactive on the road to cancer prevention and protect the health of ourselves and our families. Paying attention to genetic counseling and actively preventing cancer is a reflection of our responsibility to ourselves and our families. Let's take action for health from now on.