DONATECancer Genetics Clinic
Overview
The Cancer Genetics Clinic provides specialized care for individuals and families at risk of hereditary cancers. It offers genetic counseling, testing, and personalized risk assessment to support early detection, prevention, and precision treatment.
Patients with early-onset cancers, multiple primaries, strong family history, or tumor-based indicators are evaluated through detailed family history, risk models, and appropriate genetic testing. Positive findings guide tailored surveillance, risk-reduction strategies, and cascade testing for relatives.
The clinic works closely with oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, and pathologists to ensure an integrated, multidisciplinary approach to care. By facilitating timely diagnosis, preventive interventions, and evidence-based management, the Cancer Genetics Clinic plays a critical role in improving patient outcomes and reducing cancer burden in high-risk populations. It also supports ongoing research efforts and contributes to clinician education and patient awareness in the rapidly evolving field of cancer genomics.
Where Science Meets Strategy in Cancer Prevention and Personalized Care
The Cancer Genetics Clinic at Rajiv Gandhi Cancer institute & Research Center is a dedicated multidisciplinary hub for the identification, assessment, and management of hereditary cancer syndromes. Anchored in the principles of precision oncology, the clinic provides genetic risk evaluation, counseling, and evidence-based surveillance strategies for individuals and families with inherited predispositions to cancer.
Why Genetics Matters in Cancer Care
Up to 10% of all cancers arise from inherited genetic mutations. Identifying these mutations such as those in BRCA1/2, Lynch syndrome genes (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2), TP53, PALB2, and others empowers patients with proactive health decisions, enables targeted treatment options, and informs risk-reducing interventions for both patients and their families.
What We Offer
Our clinic provides a full spectrum of clinical genetics services, including:
- Comprehensive risk assessment based on personal and family cancer history
- Pre-test and post-test genetic counseling by certified cancer genetic counselors
- Germline genetic testing using multigene panels and next-generation sequencing
- Interpretation and clinical actionability of genetic test results using NCCN and ACMG guidelines
- Personalized surveillance and prevention plans
- Coordination with oncology, surgery, reproductive medicine, and psychosocial support teams
Who Should Visit
You may benefit from genetic evaluation if you or a family member has:
- Cancer diagnosed at a young age (typically <45 years)
- Multiple relatives with the same or related cancers
- More than one primary cancer in the same individual
- A rare or sex-discordant cancer (e.g., male breast cancer)
- Known familial cancer mutation
- A diagnosis suggestive of hereditary cancer syndromes (e.g., triple-negative breast cancer, endometrial cancer with MMR deficiency)
Translating Genetic Insight into Clinical Impact
Through rigorous interpretation and multidisciplinary collaboration, we translate genetic insights into personalized treatment plans including eligibility for PARP inhibitors, immunotherapies, and clinical trials. For unaffected carriers, we offer prophylactic measures, enhanced surveillance, and cascade testing for at-risk relatives.
Innovation, Education, and Research
Our clinic is actively involved in oncogenomic research, patient registries, and contributes to the development of region-specific cancer risk models and guidelines. We also conduct regular educational programs for clinicians and communities to raise awareness about hereditary cancer.
Empowering lives through genetics
If you have questions about your cancer risk or family history, we invite you to consult our Cancer Genetics team and take a step toward informed, proactive care.
To book an appointment or referral, contact: 0114702-2030/2168, https://care.rgcirc.org/
FAQs – Genetic Counseling
Genetic counseling helps you understand your risk for inherited conditions, including cancer, and guides testing and management options.
Anyone with a personal or family history of cancer especially if diagnosed at a young age or affecting multiple relatives should consider it.
You’ll discuss your medical and family history, assess cancer risk, and explore the benefits and implications of genetic testing.
No. Testing is optional and done only with your informed consent after counseling.
Some cancers run in families due to mutations passed down through generations. These are called hereditary or inherited cancers.
Yes, especially if you were diagnosed with cancer at a young age or have rare cancers like male breast cancer, medullary thyroid cancer, or multiple primary cancers.
BRCA1 & BRCA2 (Hereditary Breast & Ovarian Cancer Syndrome):-
BRCA1 and BRCA2 are genes that help repair DNA. Mutations increase the risk of breast, ovarian, prostate, pancreatic, and other cancers.
No. Men with BRCA mutations can develop breast, prostate, and pancreatic cancer and can pass the mutation to children.
Options include enhanced screening (MRI, mammograms), risk-reducing surgery (mastectomy, oophorectomy), and targeted treatments (e.g., PARP inhibitors).
Lynch Syndrome (Hereditary Non-Polyposis Colorectal Cancer, HNPCC):-
An inherited condition caused by mutations in mismatch repair genes (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2) that increases risk for colon, endometrial, ovarian, and other cancers.
If you or a close family member has colorectal or endometrial cancer under age 50, or if there's a history of multiple Lynch-associated cancers in the family.
Regular colonoscopies (every 1–2 years), gynecologic surveillance, and in some cases, preventive surgeries.
Li-Fraumeni Syndrome (TP53 mutation):-
A rare condition caused by a mutation in the TP53 gene, leading to a high lifetime risk of various cancers including breast cancer, brain tumors, soft tissue sarcomas, and leukemia.
Cancers may occur at very young ages, sometimes even in childhood. Routine whole-body MRI is recommended for early detection.
Family and Follow-Up:-
Yes. First-degree relatives (parents, siblings, children) have a 50% chance of having the same mutation and may benefit from early detection and prevention.
A negative result can still provide clarity, especially if a known family mutation is ruled out. Your counselor will help interpret it.
Follow-up depends on your results. If positive, annual reviews help update your management plan as new guidelines emerge.
Reach out to our Cancer Genetics Clinic at Tele-consultation facility
Visit: www.rgcirc.org
Your First Appointment: What to Expect
While we will take care of most arrangements for your upcoming visit, there are a few steps you can take to help us prepare and ensure a smooth consultation:-
1. Know Your Family History: Please gather any relevant
details about your family’s medical history.
2. Bring Medical Records: If possible, arrange to have your medical records including any previous genetic testing results sent to us in advance, or bring them with you to the appointment.
