Cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality across the globe. Millions of people fall prey to it each year. Lung cancer is one of the deadliest kinds of cancer, which has a higher death rate compared to other kinds of cancer, such as breast cancer. While many people may think that lung cancer can only be caused due to smoking and a poor lifestyle, this is not what reality is. Lung cancer can also be caused due to genetics, which is the reason why genetics plays a huge role in lung cancer screening and risk assessment. If you want to know more about it and how you can get tested for genetically transmitted lung cancer, then read this article till the end.
What Role Do Genes Play in Lung Cancer?
Many people think that only avid smokers are at risk of lung cancer. This statement is partially true. While avid smokers have a very high chance of developing lung cancer, they are not the only ones at risk. Many people are born with certain genes, such as the EGFR or ALK genes, that work as the driving force behind the development of cancerous cells in the lungs. If one person has these cancer-causing genes, they can be passed on in the coming generation. Therefore, knowing about your genes and having regular lung cancer screening and risk assessment can be helpful to understand your health better.
How Genetic Testing Helps Find Lung Cancer Risk
Genetic testing plays a huge role in finding lung cancer risk. By assessing the genes, your doctor can pinpoint any unusual changes that may be occurring in your DNA, indicating a likelihood of developing lung cancer. This can be the case even for people who are avid smokers as well as those who have never smoked in their entire lives. Generally, doctors suggest this test to individuals who have a family history of lung cancer. Moreover, genetic testing also forms the foundation for other tests. This is the reason why more people are opting for CT lung cancer screening near me after getting their genes tested, with options such as Via Scan available for convenient screening.
Adding Genetics to Lung Cancer Checkups: The Modern Way of Assessment
It was in older times that doctors used to rely merely on your smoking history for ruling out the possibility of lung cancer. Now, doctors, in regular lung cancer checkups, require your genetic history as well. This helps them detect the chances of lung cancer development early on, so the treatment can provide successful results. It is also very useful for preventing unnecessary tests in people who have no risk of cancer. This means the doctor would only suggest a lung cancer screening if it is really needed.
Why Knowing Your Genetic Risk Is Helpful
Knowing your genetic health can be a game-changer for overall health. By assessing the genes, you can easily check if you are at risk of genetically passed-on lung cancer. This can help you be more careful, make the required lifestyle changes, and watch for early signs. Moreover, it will also give you a sense of confidence and more self-assurance as your health will be under control.
What Are the Downsides of Genetic Testing?
As everything that’s helpful has its downsides, the same is the case with genetic testing. Many people feel stressed or emotionally exhausted if they find out they are at risk of lung cancer. They feel overwhelmed even if there is a very low chance of them actually developing the disease. Moreover, another downside is that genetic testing can be expensive and may not be available everywhere, such as in rural or underdeveloped areas. Apart from this, there is always a risk of privacy involved with genetic testing. So, it's better to first talk with a genetic counselor before you actually opt for the test.
How to Find The Best Lung Cancer Screening Lab Nearby?
If you are looking for the best CT lung cancer screening near me, you simply need to head to the web and search for the best labs providing lung screening nearby. There would be many, so make sure that you thoroughly do your research, check the reviews, and only opt for a lab that provides the best diagnostic lung cancer screening nearby, such as ViaScan - Full Body Scan.
CONCLUSION
Many people are born with certain genes, such as the EGFR or ALK genes, that work as the driving force behind the development of cancerous cells in the lungs. If one person has these cancer-causing genes, they can be passed on in the coming generation. By assessing the genes, your doctor can pinpoint any unusual changes that may be occurring in your DNA, indicating a likelihood of developing lung cancer. This is helpful in detecting the risk and starting the treatment early on. Once you get the genetic testing done, your doctor will advise you to get a lung cancer screening for detailed analysis. Make sure you only choose a reliable lab, such as ViaScan - Full Body Scan, if you want a streamlined process and accurate results.
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