Image courtesy of www.cnnphilippines.com
Source: www.cnnphilippines.com
According to a report by the Philippine Cancer Society (PCS), specific cancers, such as breast cancer and colon cancer, can be linked to genetics for a few individuals.
Based on 2008 rates, the PCS said that 13 out of 100 males and 12 out of 100 females in the Philippines would have had some form of cancer if they would have lived up to age 75.
The same report showed 10 out of 100 males and 7 out of 100 females would have died from cancer before age 75.
But the situation is not hopeless. The PCS added that for such individuals with an inherited cancer risk, "cancer is not inevitable. If they avoid the cancer promoting substance, and strengthen their defenses by maintaining healthy lifestyles from childhood, they will win."
A cancer test that can detect gene mutations associated to eight major types of cancer has recently debuted in the country. In an exclusive interview with CNN Philippines, Dr. Jon Atacador said that the Myriad myRisk Hereditary Cancer test covers eight different cancers — including that of the breast — which he cited as the number one [cancer] in the Philippines.
Other forms of cancer covered by the test include endomitral, ovary, gastric, pancreatic, colorectal, prostate, and melanoma.
Melissa Ongsue-Lee, VP for Sales and Marketing of Hi-Precision Diagnostics, said that the test is the same one used by Angelina Jolie in 2013.
The test is not that complicated. "It's actually a blood test. It's just like you're having your sugar tested," explained Atacador.
Despite it's simplicity, Atacador added that the test is "99.9% sensitive." Apart from giving a complete report, the test also gives medical management guidelines to the patient's doctor.
Atacador explained that certain genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, are very specific for cancer.
"If the patient is tested positive, meaning [that] there's a mutation for this gene, the lifetime risk is about 80% to develop breast cancer and about 50% for ovarian cancer."
Nevertheless, he pointed out that genes are not the sole factor in determining cancer risk. "Breast cancer, for example…it's like only about 15% to 20% hereditary."
"But you need to review the family history of the patient. If there's really a strong family history [of breast cancer] then it's advisable that they should undergo the test."
The test is not cheap. But Ongsue-Lee pointed out that it's a matter of setting priorities. "We're talking about health. People spend more money on their handbags than actually in their health."
Based on 2008 rates, the PCS said that 13 out of 100 males and 12 out of 100 females in the Philippines would have had some form of cancer if they would have lived up to age 75.
The same report showed 10 out of 100 males and 7 out of 100 females would have died from cancer before age 75.
But the situation is not hopeless. The PCS added that for such individuals with an inherited cancer risk, "cancer is not inevitable. If they avoid the cancer promoting substance, and strengthen their defenses by maintaining healthy lifestyles from childhood, they will win."
A cancer test that can detect gene mutations associated to eight major types of cancer has recently debuted in the country. In an exclusive interview with CNN Philippines, Dr. Jon Atacador said that the Myriad myRisk Hereditary Cancer test covers eight different cancers — including that of the breast — which he cited as the number one [cancer] in the Philippines.
Other forms of cancer covered by the test include endomitral, ovary, gastric, pancreatic, colorectal, prostate, and melanoma.
Melissa Ongsue-Lee, VP for Sales and Marketing of Hi-Precision Diagnostics, said that the test is the same one used by Angelina Jolie in 2013.
The test is not that complicated. "It's actually a blood test. It's just like you're having your sugar tested," explained Atacador.
Despite it's simplicity, Atacador added that the test is "99.9% sensitive." Apart from giving a complete report, the test also gives medical management guidelines to the patient's doctor.
Atacador explained that certain genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, are very specific for cancer.
"If the patient is tested positive, meaning [that] there's a mutation for this gene, the lifetime risk is about 80% to develop breast cancer and about 50% for ovarian cancer."
Nevertheless, he pointed out that genes are not the sole factor in determining cancer risk. "Breast cancer, for example…it's like only about 15% to 20% hereditary."
"But you need to review the family history of the patient. If there's really a strong family history [of breast cancer] then it's advisable that they should undergo the test."
The test is not cheap. But Ongsue-Lee pointed out that it's a matter of setting priorities. "We're talking about health. People spend more money on their handbags than actually in their health."
