Know your risk. Protect your future. Help your family.
Genetic testing is not just for those who already have cancer - it can also benefit people who are healthy but have a strong family history or want to understand their risk better.
Dr. Aparna Dhar follows national and international clinical guidelines to help determine who should be tested. These recommendations are based on your personal history, family history, age of diagnosis, type of cancer, and more.
Group 1: Individuals Already Diagnosed with Cancer
If you've been diagnosed with cancer - especially at a younger age or with certain types - genetic testing can help guide your treatment and alert your family to potential risks.
You may need testing if:
Criteria:
Diagnosed at a young age - Breast, colon, or prostate cancer before age 50
Multiple cancers in the same person - E.g., breast and ovarian cancer, colon and uterine cancer
Rare or aggressive cancers - Ovarian, male breast cancer, triple-negative breast cancer under age 60, pancreatic cancer
You have Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry - Higher chance of BRCA gene mutations
You have metastatic or advanced - stage cancer - To check for targeted therapies or inherited risk
Tumor profiling shows possible inherited mutations - Even if family history is unclear
Why it matters:
Genetic testing helps personalize your cancer treatment, determine if others in your family should be tested, and assess your risk of developing another cancer.
Group 2: Healthy Individuals with a Strong Family History
Even if you've never had cancer, you might benefit from testing if your family history shows a pattern of certain cancers.
You should consider testing if:
Family History Clues:
Multiple relatives with the same or related cancers - E.g., breast and ovarian; colon and uterine
Cancer in more than one generation - Grandparent, parent, sibling
Cancer diagnosed at a young age in relatives - Especially under 50
A known gene mutation in the family - BRCA1/2, TP53, MLH1, APC, etc.
One or more male relatives with breast cancer - Rare, often hereditary
Why it matters:
Testing can help you understand your personal risk and allow you to take steps for early detection or prevention - including lifestyle changes, enhanced screening, and preventive options.
Group 3: Individuals Planning a Family (Preconception / Carrier Screening)
If you're planning to start a family, genetic testing can identify if you or your partner carry mutations that could be passed on to children - especially for hereditary cancer syndromes or rare conditions.
Why it matters:
You can plan for the safest pregnancy possible, make informed decisions, or explore early screening for your child if needed.
Group 4: People with Known Hereditary Cancer in the Family
If a close family member has tested positive for a genetic mutation, you may be at risk too - even if you're healthy.
You should consider predictive testing if:
Your parent, sibling, or child tested positive for a BRCA, Lynch Syndrome, or other hereditary cancer mutation
You've been advised to get tested based on a relative's result
You want to take proactive steps, such as regular screenings or risk-reducing measures
Why it matters:
Finding out if you carry the same mutation allows early intervention, and peace of mind if you test negative.
What Guidelines Does Dr. Dhar Follow?
Dr. Dhar uses criteria from respected guidelines like:
NCCN (National Comprehensive Cancer Network)
ACMG (American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics)
ESMO (European Society for Medical Oncology)
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
To ensure every patient is evaluated with care and scientific accuracy.
She combines this with a detailed 3-generation family history assessment and individual risk scoring before recommending a test.
Not Sure if You Need Testing?
That's okay. Not everyone does - and testing is a personal choice.
Dr. Dhar offers pre-test counselling to help you:
Understand your risk based on personal and family history
Decide whether testing is appropriate
Learn what results could mean for you and your family
Take Control of Your Health, One Gene at a Time
Genetic testing isn't about predicting the future - it's about preparing for it with knowledge. Whether you have cancer, a family history, or simply want to understand your health better, Dr. Aparna Dhar is here to guide you with compassion, clarity, and expertise.