Genetic test for colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer is also favored by many influenceable internal and external influences and genetic constellations. In colorectal cancer, diet, behavior and external circumstances play a much greater role than in breast cancer. Only about 5% of all colorectal cancers can be attributed to a genetic change.If close relatives of the patient are already in their early years (under 50 years of age) or if there is a high incidence of colorectal and/or gastric cancer, this could be an indication to get tested.

The most common tumor syndromes are hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC or Lynch syndrome) and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). The latter leads to the growth of many polyps at a young age, which can turn into tumors. Colorectal cancer usually grows very slowly and can usually be removed if detected early enough.

However, colorectal cancer often remains undetected because colorectal cancer screening is not noticed and a cancer often causes no symptoms until the tumor has progressed. If a familial, hereditary component is suspected, medical advice should be sought and genetic testing should be considered. In case of a conspicuous finding, early and regular check-ups should be carried out to detect cancer of the gastrointestinal tract at an early stage. and Colon Cancer Screening

Prenatal diagnostics (PND) – genetic testing during pregnancy

The word prenatal diagnostics is made up of the components “pre” and “natal”, which means “before birth”. It is therefore a diagnostic measure for a pregnant woman to assess the condition of the child in the womb. Here there are interventional, i.e.

invasive and non-invasive, i.e. non-invasive methods. An important component of these methods are ultrasound examinations, blood tests and taking samples from the umbilical cord or placenta. Diagnostics are used to detect malformations or diseases in the child.

It can also be used to identify the father. In principle, not every disease can be detected unambiguously, but it is tried to clarify and, if necessary, exclude certain diseases as reliably as possible. An inconspicuous result does not necessarily exclude a disease or malformation.

However, this information can be very important in case of abnormalities in order to be able to treat a child in the womb. For example, in the case of fetal anemia, i.e. a congenital anemia of the fetus, blood transfusions can be administered in this way, which are very important for survival. Many other diseases can also be treated during pregnancy.

The sense of a possible, planned, premature delivery can also be determined in this way. Blood tests can also reveal some changes in the distribution of chromosomes, as is the case with trisomies 13, 18 or 21, but also for example with the Turner syndrome. The knowledge about such chromosomal anomalies or malformations of the child can help in preparations and further life planning.