​One of the prerequisites for early cancer detection is knowing your inherited genetic risks

Jens is a 49-year-old engineer, a father, and a successful entrepreneur. He is athletic, active, and health-conscious. He has known all his life that his father died of some kind of cancer in middle age. His mother never wanted to talk about which kind, feeling embarrassed, and as an old-school person, she avoided the topic for a long time. It wasn't until Jens was in his mid-40s that he learned, through persistent questioning, that his father had had prostate cancer.

Genetic Risk Test for Breast, Colorectal, and Melanoma Cancers

SYNLAB laboratory physician Dr. Meeli Glükmann emphasizes that the early detection of common cancer types begins with an individual's decision to know and understand their personal risks. "One of the prerequisites for early cancer detection is knowing your inherited genetic risks, which can help detect or even prevent tumor formation. Studies have shown that about 40% of cancer types can be avoided through prevention," the doctor added.

Genetic Cancer Risk Assessment and Polygenic Risk Scores

Genetic cancer risk assessments evaluate an individual's risk of developing common cancer types using a polygenic risk score (PRS).

"Research has shown that the genetic predisposition for multiple malignancies results from changes in many genes, making it polygenic. Genetic cancer risk assessments evaluate an individual's risk of developing cancer using innovative polygenic risk score technology in healthcare," says the service's creator, renowned oncologist Dr. Peeter Padrik.

"Genetic tests based on polygenic risk scores help to specify individuals' genetic predispositions for cancer and enable the application of more precise disease prevention and early detection measures. This method differs from standard tests in that it simultaneously considers hundreds to thousands of genetic variants in risk assessment. The risk assessment is based on years of thorough research and has been scientifically developed in collaboration with oncologists, medical geneticists, and bioinformaticians," Dr. Padrik adds.

Comprehensive Report with Individual Recommendations

"From the report, I received quite a bit of important information for myself. For instance, I now know that my risk of developing prostate cancer in the next 10 years is 0.59%, while the average risk for Estonian men of the same age is 0.29%. In relative terms, this means a 2.02 times higher 10-year genetic risk of developing cancer.

Now I know how often I should check my prostate with PSA blood tests; I set reminders in my calendar so I won't forget. I have to take responsibility for my health," says Jens.

To Know Your Risks or Not?

"Some friends have asked if knowing this elevated risk made me anxious in any way. Honestly, it didn't," Jens chuckles. "For me, the uncertainty was much more frustrating. Now I know what to keep an eye on and that if I do get cancer eventually, medical care will likely catch it early and treat it effectively. Because I also take care of my health. This decision is crucial for me. I sleep much better!"

Health Behavior Plays a Role in Cancer Prevention

In cancer prevention, it's not just about genetics; it also involves health behavior and awareness of your body, which is why the report includes relevant recommendations. For example, Jens received recommendations in the report for quitting smoking and monitoring potential changes in his prostate.

SYNLAB offers three different genetic cancer risk assessments:

Genetic Risk Test for Breast Cancer in Women

Genetic Risk Test for Breast, Colorectal, and Melanoma Cancers in Women

Genetic Risk Test for Prostate, Colorectal, and Melanoma Cancers in Men

If you have an elevated risk, you will automatically receive a referral, specific recommendations for next steps, and, if necessary, the option to book a consultation with a SYNLAB laboratory physician.