What is hereditary cancer genetic screening?
Most cancers are not caused by a single inherited genetic variant. However, some people inherit genetic changes that can significantly increase their likelihood of developing certain cancers during their lifetime.
Modern screening can analyze many cancer-associated genes at the same time rather than looking only for a single mutation such as BRCA1 or BRCA2. The comprehensive panels underlying this service assess dozens of genes associated with multiple hereditary cancer syndromes and cancer types — including breast, ovarian, colorectal, uterine, pancreatic, prostate, gastric, kidney, and melanoma, among others.
A genetic result does not mean that you have cancer, nor does an increased genetic risk mean that you will necessarily develop it. Testing can help identify whether you carry inherited variants that may warrant additional discussion, surveillance, preventive strategies, or specialist evaluation.
Who may consider genetic screening?
Hereditary cancer testing may be particularly relevant for patients with a personal or family history that suggests an inherited cancer risk, such as:
Some patients may also be interested in understanding their inherited risk as part of a broader discussion about preventive health and longevity. Whether genetic testing is appropriate — and which testing approach makes sense — should be determined individually.
What happens after testing?
Genetic information is most valuable when it can be properly interpreted and acted upon. Results may be negative, identify a pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant associated with increased cancer risk, or identify a variant of uncertain significance (VUS) whose impact is not currently known.
When a clinically significant inherited risk is identified, the information may help guide conversations about:
Depending on the findings, Dr. Shamloo may recommend that patients work with a genetic counselor, oncologist, or other appropriate specialist to determine the next steps.
Screening & longevity medicine
Hereditary cancer genetic screening is one component of Dr. Shamloo’s broader approach to proactive health, prevention, and longevity.
Understanding your genetic predispositions can add another layer of information to your personal health picture — helping identify risks that may deserve greater attention long before symptoms develop.