Hereditary syndromes / Risk assessment 

All humans are at risk for developing cancer, as tumors arise whenever defects in the transfer of the genetic information in our cells are passed on between cellular generations.

Defects in an individual's genetic code may occur in that individual's body; however, in some cases, they may be inherited and passed on to that individual's offspring (if these defects are included in the genetic information contained in germ cells). In these events, the risk for developing malignant disease is significantly increased in that individual's future family.

Inherited genetic defects in different families give rise to varying levels of increased risk for developing cancer, usually affecting a number of organs simultaneously. Therefore, when a malignant disease suspected as being linked to a hereditary syndrome is detected, the patient and his family must undergo genetic counseling in order to identify cases of hereditary syndromes from cases in which the disease is sporadic (non-hereditary).

Hereditary increased risk for developing cancer should be suspected when:

    a)       The disease is diagnosed at an early age

    b)       The disease is diagnosed in number of closely-related family members

    c)       Several malignant tumors are simultaneously diagnosed in one individual

When hereditary genetic syndromes are suspected, consultation with a clinician specializing in genetic counseling should be referred. A decision as to which of the genetic syndromes is most likely in this specific family can be accurately assumed.  To confirm the syndrome suspicion, the appropriate diagnostic test can be requested from the variety of tests offered by Oncotest – Advantest.

Detection of genetic syndrome carriers provides the individuals with an ability to periodically monitor themselves with the most up to date technologies, enabling early diagnosis of the disease at its potentially curative stages.