Written by: Dr. Ananya Sharma, Medical Geneticist
Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Rajesh Kumar, Pathologist
Last Updated: March 2026
Cancer Kya Hai? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Genetic Testing
Quick Summary
- Sample Required: Blood or Saliva
- Fasting Rules: Not required
- Turnaround Time (TAT): 7-10 working days
- Base Cost: [Insert Current 2026 Price]
What is Cancer?
Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and division. Normally, cells grow, divide, and die in a regulated manner. In cancer, genetic mutations disrupt this process, leading to abnormal cell proliferation that can invade tissues and spread to other parts of the body (metastasis). These mutations can be inherited or acquired over time due to environmental factors, lifestyle, or random errors during cell division.
Types of Cancer
There are over 100 types of cancer, classified by the organ or tissue where they originate. Common types include:
- Breast cancer
- Lung cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Leukemia
- Lymphoma
- Melanoma
- Ovarian cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
Causes and Risk Factors
Cancer arises from genetic mutations that affect cell cycle regulation, DNA repair, and apoptosis. Risk factors include:
- Genetic predisposition: Inherited mutations (e.g., BRCA1/BRCA2 for breast/ovarian cancer)
- Environmental exposures: Tobacco smoke, radiation, carcinogenic chemicals
- Lifestyle factors: Diet, physical inactivity, alcohol consumption
- Infectious agents: HPV, Hepatitis B/C, Helicobacter pylori
- Age: Risk increases with age
Symptoms of Cancer
Symptoms vary depending on the cancer type and stage. Common signs include:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent fatigue
- Lumps or swelling
- Changes in skin or moles
- Persistent cough or hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Changes in bowel or bladder habits
- Unexplained bleeding or discharge
Diagnosis of Cancer
Accurate diagnosis is critical for effective treatment. Modern diagnostic approaches include:
- Imaging: MRI, CT, PET scans to visualize tumors
- Biopsy: Histopathological examination of tissue samples
- Molecular diagnostics: Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) and Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) to identify genetic mutations driving cancer
- Liquid biopsy: Detection of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) from blood samples
- Immunohistochemistry: Protein expression analysis
Genetic Testing for Cancer
Genetic testing plays a pivotal role in assessing hereditary cancer risk, guiding targeted therapies, and monitoring treatment response. DNA Labs India offers comprehensive cancer genetic panels using advanced NGS technology.
| Test Type | Purpose | Sample | Turnaround Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hereditary Cancer Panel | Identifies germline mutations in genes like BRCA1/2, TP53, MLH1 | Blood or Saliva | 7-10 working days |
| Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) | Comprehensive analysis of all protein-coding genes for rare mutations | Blood | 14-21 working days |
| Liquid Biopsy (ctDNA) | Detects tumor-specific mutations in blood for monitoring | Blood | 5-7 working days |
Why Choose DNA Labs India?
DNA Labs India is an ISO 9001 certified laboratory committed to delivering accurate and reliable genetic testing services. Our state-of-the-art facilities employ cutting-edge NGS platforms and bioinformatics analysis to ensure precise results. We provide comprehensive genetic counseling to help you understand your results and make informed decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cancer genetic?
Some cancers are hereditary, caused by inherited mutations. However, most cancers arise from acquired mutations due to environmental and lifestyle factors.
How is genetic testing for cancer done?
A simple blood or saliva sample is collected. DNA is extracted and analyzed using NGS to detect mutations associated with cancer risk or treatment response.
What is the cost of cancer genetic testing?
The cost varies depending on the test type. Please contact DNA Labs India for current pricing and packages.