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Genetic testing was once associated mainly with paternity testing. Today it is a useful tool in predicting serious genetically determined diseases, including cancer. Thanks to genetic tests, doctors can easily determine the risk of developing a given disease. When is it worth thinking about doing genetic tests?
A person’s genes determine not only their physical characteristics, but also their risk of developing certain diseases. Some of them result from mutation and damage to a specific gene. This can lead to disturbances in the functioning of the body. It also happens that damaged genes may increase the risk of developing, for example, breast cancer.
Genetic Research – Benefits
Genetic research is not only an element of the prevention of serious diseases, but also a way to improve the quality of our lives. Thanks to them, we can obtain information, for example, on certain food intolerances that affect our well-being and have a negative impact on our quality of life, such as lactose intolerance. Genetic tests are used, among others, in the diagnosis of celiac disease.
In the case of genetic testing for cancer, the knowledge obtained in this way will allow us to make informed decisions. In this way, we can reduce the risk of falling ill at every step, and also test ourselves more often.
Today, genetic testing should be treated as a preventive measure that will allow us to act before the disease begins to develop. Knowing about the possible risk of serious medical conditions can also influence informed decision making about offspring.
Genetic research – tumors
The indication for genetic tests for cancer is the history of cancer in the next generations. Additionally, a given neoplasm should develop in at least one case before the age of 50. In people who are at risk, genetic testing makes great sense.
However, it should be remembered that performing genetic tests will never guarantee that we will not get sick. Some cancers develop from several or even several dozen different genes, so it is impossible to test for everyone and check all the possibilities. It would cost a lot of money, which is why the most common markers are usually marked.
Genetic research – course
Genetic research does not require any special preparation. Before the tests are carried out, the consent for their performance must be completed. The examination itself is safe and painless. Remember, however, that the results can have a huge impact on our further life.
Genetic tests are usually performed on a blood sample. We collect a blood sample in the laboratory as for the morphology. The test can also be done from a smear on the inside of the cheek. Before taking a smear, rinse your mouth to get rid of food residues and to avoid, for example, meat particles getting into the sample.
You usually have to wait for the results of genetic tests from several days to even several weeks.
Genetic research – costs
Genetic tests may be ordered by a doctor under the NFZ insurance. They are then commissioned as part of genetic counseling. This is usually dictated by family history and placing the patient in the so-called risk group.
If we want to do such tests on our own, we have to cover the costs on our own. Usually, you should take into account the costs from 200 to even several thousand zlotys.
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