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Acknowledging Genetic Counsellors What is cancer Before we get into understanding cancer, it’s important to understand about our bodies. Cells are the basic units that make up the human body. Everyday inside us, cells grow and divide to make new cells as we need them to perform basic functions like digesting food and utilising oxygen […]
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Acknowledging Genetic Counsellors According to a study, women who carry the BRCA1 gene mutation, that is responsible for breast and ovarian cancers, are at a higher risk for the deadly form of uterine cancer. Since a conclusive link between the Breast Cancer gene mutation and a significant risk of developing uterine cancer has been found, […]
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A type of inherited disorder in which there is a higher-than-normal risk of certain types of cancer. Hereditary cancer syndromes are caused by mutations (changes) in certain genes passed from parents to children. In a hereditary cancer syndrome, certain patterns of cancer may be seen within families. These patterns include having several close family members […]
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Cancer is not only a deadly disease; it is a sensitive topic too. It creates a stir not only in the patient but amongst their loved ones too – both emotionally and financially. Hence, it is very important to know about the facts relating the same. Misleading data might cause uncalled for situations eventually hindering […]
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Conducting multigene testing on breast cancer patients when they are diagnosed is cost effective and could potentially save the lives of thousands. But many patients are not offered the testing based on existing criteria, which means people carrying cancer genes are not given the opportunity to find out if they are carriers. Multigene testing includes […]
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Cancer is a severe blow not only for the person with the disease but for his or her family too. In light of the illness, family of the cancer patient have to think about how they relate to cancer and the person who has it. It is hard to see a loved one becoming sick […]
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Our perceptions of breast cancer risk are largely inaccurate and are often associated with high levels of anxiety about cancer. There are interesting cultural differences that are not well researched. Genetic risk counselling significantly improves accuracy of women’s perceptions of risk, but not necessarily to the correct level. Reasons for this are unclear, but may […]
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Breast Cancer is one of the most common cancer after skin cancer. It is found mostly in women than men, but males get affected too. Rigorous awareness campaign and development in the medical science have improved the survival rate. Peole are far more aware and concious of the same hence, early detection is possible resulting […]
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The entire journey of bringing a new life in our lives is a beautiful journey – right from family planning to delivering the baby and beyond. A beautiful, healthy baby is all we wish for. As soon as this journey starts, we go through multiple medical treatments, follow home remedies suggested by our elders, and […]
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India being a democratic country, the citizens should get the highest importance. Hence, every policy created in this country should be benefitting every citizen. But India is a diverse country with people from various religion, culture, race, caste and ethnicity. The policies are adapted in a way where the need of every individual from every […]
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The term Differently Abled is used as a substitute for Physically or Mentally Challenged Individuals. Our Indian society, even in the 21st Century, has not adapted themselves in accepting Differently Abled Children. In most cases, these children and treated with awkwardness, dislike, and sympathy. Whereas, they should be treated with empathy. As a matter of […]
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While being home to a culturally heterogeneous population, India is also a crucible to genetic diversities. Alike other developing countries, India is experiencing an accelerating switch to non-communicable diseases. Genetic disorders are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the cities. Due to the high birth rate in India, a very large number of […]
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In our career driven, fast, competitive society, couples mostly plan for late pregnancy these days. With respect to the age at which a woman is getting pregnant, she is broadly categorised in either of the following: Low risk category – When she is within the age of 30 years Moderate risk category – When she […]
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How to take care of an advanced maternal age pregnancy? The conveniences of the 21st Century have empowered women to have better control over their fertility. Easy access to birth control and contraception, has provided women a wide array of career choices and the ability to delay their maternal journey. However, mother nature has its […]
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Introduction: The genetic composition of every human being is comprised of a unique coding sequence that might appear similar but is not identical in any way . We do get genetic information encoded from our parents and it leaves a similar impact like in them. Sometimes the genes in offsprings are not the complete copy […]
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Family Planning – Exciting Times While Family planning is exciting, it is also a sensitive subject. For a couple, right from the decision of starting a family till the birth of their baby and beyond is an emotional journey. The biggest and first priority for most couples is to have a healthy baby. In the […]
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Acknowledging Genetic Counsellors Doctors play a very important part in our lives. From the diagnosis of diseases to maintaining an overall good health, doctors have been an integral part of society. Right from the Vedic times, the importance of surgeons, medics and dieticians has been prevalent through the ages. Be it fasting on certain days, […]
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Probably the most worrisome aspect of cancer is the stealthy way in which it strikes, leaving a normal life in absolute tatters. Around 5-10 percent of all cancers are due to inherited genetic mutations. This also includes breast cancer. Surprised? Certain cancer causing markers have been identified in genes and the presence of such markers […]
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Genetic health counselling is soon going to be the future of proactive health. The reason is quite simple. Genes are the building blocks of any living being and they control how the body performs it various functions. One such crucial functioning that genes control is that of the heart. From the strength of blood vessels […]
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Breast cancer is one of the worst ways cancer can affect someone. It is one of the most common forms of cancers in India as per a survey done by GLOBOCAN. Now here’s an interesting fact. Did you know that around 5-10% of breast cancers are hereditary in nature? That means it is passed on […]
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Are you being proactive about your health?. COVID-19 is on everyone’s radar right now. While people are also worried about economy and how to restart businesses, what about your health? From healthcare’s perspective, COVID-19 is categorised as a pandemic, and it is a dangerous infection considering the way in which it can spread from person […]
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Understanding this Inherited Condition through Prenatal Genetic Testing The first thing that a baby does once it comes out of the mother’s womb is ….breathe. The sudden transition from a protected environment filled with fluids to an environment where the baby’s body is subjected to new temperature, air, sound and light can be a bit […]
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Are genes just a way to know your ancestry or do they hold the blueprint to your past, present, and future? Let’s dive deeper into the science of discovering Who are you? If I ask you this question then most of you will start by telling your name, your age, your qualifications, your professional background, […]
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With the current pandemic situation prevalent across the globe, even urgent healthcare has taken a hit in many places. People with serious lifelong ailments have to stay at home and continue medication and diet. Appointments are being rescheduled and sometimes cancelled as well. For patients with heart conditions, this situation becomes even more critical. In […]
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The coronavirus lockdown is being extended by at least another two weeks. After almost a three week lockdown many states had proposed an extension of the lockdown; that itself should be enough to explain the severity of the situation. Every living organism on earth can be affected by viruses. In the absence of a cure […]
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It is important that clinical practices are up to date with latest technologies which can enhance the clinical outcomes of the patients. A clinician will need to abreast with understanding and using tools which can enable him/her to help their patients. With the advent of genomic medicine which has become an important jigsaw in the […]
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There is a raising incidence of breast cancer in women in India and an urgent need to identify at risk individuals for reducing the disease burden. Researchers conducted a National Survey of Precision Medicine in Cancer Treatment (1) primarily due to the fact that there is increased accessibility, affordability and reliability of DNA and RNA […]
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Over the past few weeks, news of the spread of COVID-19, or coronavirus disease, has dominated all media channels. It’s everywhere – in your news feed, in your inbox, on TV, and everyone around you is talking about it. So how informed are you about COVID-19? Can you be genetically susceptible to this? Can genetic […]
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There are people who love babies, those who adore them or those who haven’t given a thought about progeny. But if you are planning on having a baby, irrespective of if you are going to be a mother or a father, certain responsibilities are unavoidable. You might say, yeah, there’s a lot of financial and […]
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How many times have you come across someone who has had a history or is currently fighting cancer? How many times have you listened to their experience and found that quite a few of them were living a model life, free from tobacco, alcohol and the known culprits of modern-day addictions? Were you surprised? As […]
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Every aspiring parent wants nothing but the best for their future baby, within their available resources. It is pretty much normal for Indian couples to be seen fretting about making accommodations in their expenditures, saving up more for the future and cutting down on small luxuries just to ensure that their baby can enjoy everything […]
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Sometimes the story of a family may not have the happiest of beginnings, but it’s the rest of the story that one can choose and control. It’s easier to solve problems when you have anticipated and prepared with guidance and knowledge. Mr. and Mrs. Purohit had returned home after the delivery, with their seemingly healthy […]
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Your quest for healthy living and a happy family arises from a desire to have a predictable and safe future for you and your family. If you have a close family member such as a parent or a grandparent with a health problem, you might want to know if you are at a risk for […]
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Cancer is transforming into an epidemic in India. The mortality rates have doubled from 1990 to 2016 1 , posing a major threat to public health. Over one million new cancer cases are diagnosed every year, and the number is expected to rise 5-fold by 2025 2 . In fact, today, India ranks third in […]
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Proper diagnosis of genetic disorders and cancers continue to remain an unmet medical need as the diagnostic process is challenging and at times patients are even misdiagnosed. With an estimated 1.15 million new cases in 2018, cancer incidence in India is predicted to almost double by 2040 as a result of demographic changes alone 1 […]
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Rare genetic diseases affect more than 300 million people worldwide 1 . According to Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Centre (GARD), more than 7000 known rare diseases are recorded to date 2 . The sheer number of rare disorders means that, collectively, approximately 1 in 17 individuals are affected by them globally. So far, 450 rare […]
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Breast cancer risks looms on many women, who are unaware. What would they ask if they knew their future risks today? Nobody wants to be in a helpless situation at any point in life. Maybe they would ask a better question today and act wisely. Genetic testing for genetic mutations and hereditary diseases can help […]
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Like mother, like daughter or grandfather’s curly hairs or even a distant-aunt’s hazel eyes. Family resemblance is easy to notice from an early age. The part of the face that is the most ‘handed down’ is the tip of the nose, and the area just below it, known as the philtrum, a scientific study has […]
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Genes are the pieces of our DNA code that carry the instructions that make our bodies function. We have two copies of every gene; one from our father and one from our mother. If you’ve ever wondered what family history of breast cancer means for your children’s genetic risks, your concern is valid. If either […]
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Breast cancer is now the most common cancer in most cities in India, and 2nd most common in rural areas. According to a 2017 study published in Asia-Pacific Journal of Clinical Oncology 1, the age-adjusted incidence rate of breast cancer was found as high as 41 per 100,000 women for Delhi. A study estimates the […]
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Breast cancer remains a major health problem, even with the latest advancements in technology and research. According to the National cancer registry- India, breast cancer is the most common cancer in India accounting for 27% of all cancers in women. As per recent estimations, 1 in every 28 Indian women is likely to develop breast […]
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22 of the world’s 30 most polluted cities are in India! If you are continuing reading this then there’s a high chance you are living in one of these cities and are concerned about your health. Social media posts about pollution levels went viral this time again during Diwali eve and a public health emergency […]
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Pancreatic cancer is the 4th leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide 1,2 . As per GLOBOCAN 2018 estimates 5, pancreatic cancer has ranked the 11th most common cancer in the world counting 458,918 new cases (2.5% of all cancers registered worldwide) and causing 432,242 deaths (4.5% of all cancer-related deaths) in 2018. Pancreatic cancer is […]
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We are the new-age women. We multi-task, lead, support and live fearlessly. But it surprises me as to how little we care about our own health and well-being. One of my best-friends from my post-graduation college days is Krusha. Despite our hectic work schedules, we still try to catch-up for a coffee, hang-out, or even […]
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For clinicians who care for patients with breast cancer, the possibility of a cancer diagnosis being related to a hereditary predisposition is always a consideration. The potential benefit for identifying a hereditary breast cancer extends beyond the patient to other family members and the risk may not be only for the development of breast cancers, […]
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If you are already expecting or considering having a baby, you and your spouse may feel joyful, excited, and nervous – all at the same time. You may even get anxious and fearful about being a mother and the health of your child. It is usual for soon-to-be moms and partners to be confused, so […]
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Genetic counselling is a health service provided to give information and offer support to people who have or may be at risk for genetic disorders. During the counselling session, discussions about the various genetic risks take place and also the need for genetic tests is confirmed or ruled out. The process involves: Looking back at […]
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Over 8 million infants worldwide are born with gene-related congenital disabilities, concludes research conducted by March of Dimes, a non-profit organization that works towards improving the health of mothers and babies. The research further highlights that there are around 7,000 genetic or partially genetic birth disorders. The five genetic birth disorders to top this list […]
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Kristen Criss, aged 38 from Riverside, California, was always battling health issues like arrhythmias or irregular heartbeats triggered by electrical malfunctions in the heart. When her heart was not once but eight times shocked back into a normal rhythm while pregnant, she was determined to know the exact cause of this. After all, her mother […]
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