■Cancer and gene

Although non-inherited spontaneous gene mutation (somatic mutations) are the major cause of cancer, hereditary cancer account for approximately 10% of all cancer. Hereditary cancers have been described for breast cancer, colorectal cancer, endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer and prostate cancer. Therefore, if multiple family members developed certain type of cancer. In addition to regular cancer screen, family member’s probability of having a hereditary cancer is also a key issue.

■ What is hereditary cancer?

All of the genes are inherited from the parents. When the parents have mutated genes or when their genes do not function properly, these mutated genes can possibly be inherited to the next generation. For those who have mutated genes, their normal cells can become cancerous and develop into a tumor due to cell malfunction. This means that these gene mutations increase an individual's risk of developing cancer.

■ Different from spontaneous cancer, hereditary cancer has the following characteristics:
◆ Familial:
Several family members suffer from certain type of cancer.
◆High genetic probability:
About 50% of hereditary mutated gene in people with cancer can be inherited to the next generation.
◆High cancer risk:
Individuals with inherited cancer gene have much high cancer risk and get cancer at an early age.

◆Two or more family members have the same types of cancer.

◆A relative was diagnosed with cancer before age 50.

◆A relative was diagnosed with two or more types of primary cancer.

◆Willing to know whether they are inherited mutation carrier.

■Test items of SOFIVA Cancer Risk：

In family with an inherited cancer, many members has the same/related cancers
According to a large-scale study, about 10% of cancer patients belong to hereditary cancers, and in these families, many members suffer from the same or related types of cancers.

Hereditary cancers have higher rates of inherited mutated genes
Hereditary cancer gene mutation is mostly dominant inherited, where 50% of the patient’s children can get mutated genes.

People carry hereditary gene mutation have a higher risk of cancer

Step1. Physicians / Nurses explain procedures and contents

Step2. Fill out consent form and collect blood sample

Step3. Sample delivered to laboratory

Step4. Analysis of experimental data

Step5. Report is produced in 15 working days

■ How many times shall we get the SOFIVA Cancer Risk genetic testing?
“SOFIVA Cancer Risk” is designed to check the mutation of germline DNA. As the germline DNA does not change, this genetic testing can be done only once a life!

■ What shall we do if the testing result is positive?
The testing results of SOFIVA Cancer Risk reveal the cancer risk of subjects. People with cancer- susceptibility gene mutations have increased risks of several cancers. The lifetime risks of the carriers might be up to 80% (depending on the types of cancer and the mutation position). Currently, there are a number of suggestions made in clinical medicine, such as increasing the cancer screening method and frequency, drugs, surgery and treatment.
All of our reports provide information about the mutation position and the information in up-to-date database. In case of finding any mutation, please consult your doctor to know about your health check schedule and cancer screening items.

■ If the testing result is negative, does it mean that I will not suffer from cancer?
As SOFIVA Cancer Risk examines the status of your germline cells, it helps you to evaluate your cancer risk instead of eliminating the cancer risk. When the
testing result is negative, it means that you do not have any hereditary cancer risk. However, it is still have a possibility of suffering from spontaneous caners.