Hereditary Cancer Screening: Why Early Detection Can Save Lives

Cancer has become one of the most prevalent health conditions in recent times, with multiple contributing factors such as lifestyle, environment, and genetics. But did you know that up to 12 in every 100 cancer cases are linked to hereditary causes? Yes, cancer can run in families.

Thanks to rapid advancements in diagnostic technologies, we now have access to hereditary cancer screening tests a powerful tool that helps identify your risk or even detect certain cancers before symptoms appear.

In this blog, let us understand what hereditary cancer screening is, how it works, and why early detection truly matters in saving lives.

What Is Hereditary Cancer?

Cancer happens when some cells in the body start to grow in an uncontrolled way. Normally, our body has built-in instructions (called genes) that tell cells when to grow, rest, or die. But sometimes, these instructions get damaged. This damage is called a mutation. When mutations build up, they can lead to cancer.

Most of the time, these mutations happen after we are born. They can be caused by things like smoking, pollution, certain chemicals, radiation, or just random changes as we get older. These are called sporadic cancers, and they are not passed down in families.

But in about 5 to 10 out of every 100 cancer cases, the mutations are inherited from a parent. This is known as hereditary cancer.¹

How Does Hereditary Cancer Work?

We get our genes from our parents—half from our mother and half from our father. In some families, a parent may pass down a gene that already has a mutation. This doesn’t cause cancer right away, but it does mean the person is born with a higher risk of getting certain types of cancer during their life.

Here’s how it works:

• If you inherit a faulty gene from one parent, every cell in your body carries it.
• You also get a normal copy of that gene from the other parent.
• If the normal copy gets damaged later in life, it can lead to cancer because both copies are now not working properly.

People who inherit such genes have a higher chance of developing cancer, but not everyone who inherits a cancer-related gene will get cancer. 

Which Cancers Can Be Caused by Inherited Gene Mutations?

The inherited mutations do not guarantee that cancer will develop, but they significantly increase the risk. Knowing which cancers are linked to family history can help you and your doctor decide if hereditary cancer screening is right for you.²

Here are some of the most common cancers that can be caused by inherited gene mutations:

• Breast cancer
• Colon cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Stomach cancer
• Thyroid cancer
• Uterine (endometrial) cancer

What Is Hereditary Cancer Screening?

Hereditary cancer screening is a type of genetic test that checks your DNA for inherited mutations changes in specific genes that can increase your risk of certain cancers. These tests help identify whether you carry gene mutations that you may have inherited from a biological parent. 

It’s important to understand that genetic tests for cancer risk don’t detect cancer itself. Instead, they look for specific changes (mutations) in your genes that may increase your risk of developing cancer in the future.

Think of it like a warning system. The test tells you whether your DNA carries certain red flags but it doesn't mean you have cancer right now.

Researchers have discovered over 400 genes that may be linked to hereditary cancers. These genes fall into three major categories: 

Gene Type	Effect of Mutation	Common Examples
Tumor Suppressor Genes	Mutations turn off the gene's ability to stop cell growth, allowing cells to divide uncontrollably	BRCA1, BRCA2, TP53
Proto-oncogenes	Mutations activate these genes abnormally, causing cells to grow and divide too rapidly (become oncogenes)	HER2, MYC, RAS
DNA Repair Genes	Mutations reduce the cell’s ability to fix DNA errors, increasing the risk of genetic damage and cancer	MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, P

 

Why Early Detection Matters?

Preventing cancer isn’t always possible, but early detection can significantly improve the chances of survival.

For instance, diffuse gastric cancer is a rare and aggressive type of hereditary cancer linked to mutations in the CDH1 gene. It often goes undetected during regular endoscopies and is usually diagnosed at stage IV, when it has already advanced.

While we may not be able to prevent this cancer, early screening for those at high genetic risk can help identify it soonergiving doctors a better chance to manage it effectively and, most importantly, save lives.³

Why Choose LifeCell Diagnostics for Hereditary Cancer Screening?

LifeCell’s Hereditary Cancer Gene Panel (ONCO) screens for 106 genes linked to a wide range of hereditary cancers through a simple blood test. Here's why LifeCell is a trusted choice:

Comprehensive Gene Panel

Covers 106 clinically relevant genes associated with cancers like breast, ovarian, colorectal, prostate, and pancreatic.

Reliable and Actionable Results

Accurate reporting helps identify genetic risks early, supporting informed decisions on screening, lifestyle changes, or preventive care.

Simple Sample Collection

Only a blood sample is needed. The process is quick, non-invasive, and supported by a wide collection network.

Trusted Expertise

With decades of experience in genetic diagnostics, LifeCell is a leading provider in preventive healthcare across India.

Conclusion

Hereditary cancer screening offers a chance to detect your genetic risk early—before symptoms begin. While not all inherited mutations lead to cancer, knowing your risk helps you take informed, preventive steps. LifeCell’s Hereditary Cancer Gene Panel (ONCO) is a simple blood test that screens for 106 clinically relevant genes associated with various hereditary cancers, including breast, ovarian, colorectal, and prostate cancers. Early detection can save lives. visit LifeCell Diagnostics to book your test today.

FAQs

Is hereditary cancer common?

Hereditary cancers make up about 5% to 10% of all cancer cases. While most cancers occur due to lifestyle or environmental factors, a smaller percentage are caused by inherited genetic mutations passed down from one generation to the next.

What is the most common hereditary cancer syndrome?

Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) syndrome, caused by mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, is one of the most common hereditary cancer syndromes. It significantly increases the risk of breast, ovarian, and other cancers in both men and women.

What tests are done for hereditary cancer?

Genetic testing for hereditary cancer usually involves a blood or saliva sample. Tests like LifeCell’s Hereditary Cancer Gene Panel (ONCO) screen for mutations in multiple genes (such as BRCA1, BRCA2, TP53, MLH1, etc.) that are linked to various hereditary cancers.

Which cancers can be hereditary?

Hereditary mutations can increase the risk of several cancers, including:

• Breast cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Stomach cancer
• Thyroid cancer
• Uterine (endometrial) cancer