GENETICS AND DISEASE
People with a disease specific fanily history have a greater incentive to do genetic testing. They have a much higher baseline risk than individuals without a family history of a particular disease. An important statistical factor in deciding when to do a genetic disease scan is the age at which close relatives developed a particular condition, the earlier in life they developed the condition, the sooner a person shouild consider a genetic scan. There is a strong co-relation between these factors even allowing for variable environmental influences.
Why would anyone do a comprehensive genetic scan?
Just a few years ago regardless of price, you could not have gained the information that is now available in a private and confidential manner for a relatively modest cost.
Genetic studies have resulted in an unprecedented level of transparency and led to the clear understanding that every individual is defined by genetics and lifestyle. With this information you can make decisions that will make a positive impact on your health and well being.
Once alerted to specific risks you should work with your healthcare provider to take the appropriate steps.
The decision is yours alone.
A SUMMARY OF THE DISEASES INCLUDING CANCERS TESTED FOR BY THE VIAGUARD COMPLETE GENETIC SCAN
Breast Cancer (An example of one of the 47 genetic scans)
Click on the link at the bottom of the table for the complete profile of genetic scans
Breast cancer is by far the most common cancer affecting women worldwide, and is the most common cause of cancer death in women. If diagnosed early, most cases of breast cancer can be treated successfully.
A number of gene variants are known to increase the risk of developing breast cancer. Two are located on chromosomes 2 and 5, and one on each of the following chromosomes: 1, 3, 8, 10, 11, 14, and 16. A variant in the ESR1 gene on chromosome 6 contributes to the risk of breast cancer in East Asians, but not those of European descent. The different types of cells in various breast tissues give rise to different types of breast cancer, depending on where in the breast the cancer originates.
Research indicates that the MLK3 protein has a critical role in suppressing the spread of cancer in mammary tissue. Its activity is impaired by estrogens and progesterone leading to rapid cancerous growth and resistance to chemotherapy. The genetic linkages examined in the Viaguard cancer screen may influence MLK3 production.
A group of genetic breast cancer scan markers are linked to estrogen receptive-negative cancers. This type of cancer is much more resistant to treatment than estrogen receptive- positive breast cancer, which is often successfully treated with tamoxifan, an inhibitor of estrogen activity, unless as in some individuals, there is a hormonal resistance.
FXR, normally found in the liver, can cause the destruction of breast cancer cells by inhibiting the expression of the HER2 gene associated with many forms of breast cancer. Research efforts underway seek a manner of activating FXR in affected individuals.
