Try adjusting your type
14th October, 2009
European Survey on Standards of Care in paediatric oncology centres. J. R. Kowalczyk, M. Samardakiewicz, K. Pritchard-Jones, R. Ladenstein, S. Essiaf, E. Fitzgerald, G. Petrarulo, G. Vassal - EJC , Volume 61, pp 11-19
8th December, 2014
The purpose of this website is to provide good and clear information about the long-term effects of childhood cancer and to refer to the various late-effects outpatient clinics (LATER outpatient clinics) that exist in the Netherlands.
8th September, 2015
Cancer in young people is rare, but it is still a major health issue in Europe. Each year, more than 6,000 young people in Europe die of cancer. There are more than 300,000 European childhood cancer survivors (in 2020, they will be nearly half a million): two-thirds of them have some late side effects of treatment, that are severe and impact on the daily life of half of those affected.
Genetic testing is a type of medical test that identifies changes in chromosomes, genes, or proteins. These changes can confirm or rule out a suspected genetic condition or help determine a person’s chance of developing or passing on a genetic disorder. This advanced science aids in the detection and prevention of multiple health conditions, making it a key component in personalized medicine.
With advancements in medical biotechnology, genetic testing has emerged as pivotal in healthcare, serving as a cornerstone for diagnosis, planning treatment, making informed decisions, and understanding one’s health risks.
Genetic testing works by isolating DNA from your cells, then using laboratory techniques to read the genetic codes within your DNA. This process can reveal mutations that may lead to genetic disorders. It’s akin to reading a book to find typos that alter the story’s meaning.
There are several types of genetic tests, including diagnostic testing, predictive and pre-symptomatic testing, carrier testing, prenatal testing, newborn screening, and pharmacogenomic testing. Each serves a different purpose and can provide valuable information about genetic health.
The process of genetic testing involves collecting a DNA sample, extracting the DNA, analyzing the genetic material, and providing a detailed report of the findings. The DNA sample can be collected from the blood, hair, skin, amniotic fluid (for prenatal testing), or other tissue types.
The results of genetic tests can often be complex and require professional interpretation. A positive result usually indicates that the person has a genetic mutation that is associated with a certain disease or condition. Whereas, a negative result means the person doesn’t have the specific mutation being tested.
Genetic testing plays a significant role in the detection of genetic disorders, enabling clinicians to make an accurate diagnosis and select the most beneficial treatment.
Carrier screening, a type of genetic test, can identify individuals who carry genetic mutations that could potentially be passed on to their children. This information may be crucial for families or couples planning for pregnancy.
Genetic testing can also guide therapeutic decisions by identifying which treatments are likely to be most effective or harmful based on individual’s genetic profiles.
Although genetic testing has immense benefits, it also raises ethical issues such as privacy and confidentiality, potential discrimination, and informed consent. Healthcare professionals and genetic counselors can aid people in understanding these implications.
Understanding our genetic predispositions can also lead to emotional stress. It’s important for individuals and families seeking genetic testing to have access to psychological support and counseling.
With its capacity to forecast potential health risks, assist in disease diagnosis, and guide therapeutic approaches, genetic testing is revolutionizing healthcare. However, the ethical and emotional considerations remain crucial aspects to manage.
As technology advances, we foresee a time when each person’s genetic makeup can be quickly and affordably sequenced, interpreted, and used to guide healthcare throughout life.
Generally, genetic testing poses minimal physical risk. However, it may carry emotional, social, or financial consequences or lead to potential discrimination based on genetic information.
Yes. Depending on the type of testing, a variety of diseases or conditions can be predicted, including certain cancers, neurodegenerative diseases, and genetic disorders.
Individuals with a family history of certain diseases, couples planning a family, or those showing symptoms of a genetic disorder should consider genetic testing. It helps predict, diagnose, or even manage certain health conditions.
The reliability varies with the type and quality of the test, and the specific gene mutation being tested. It is generally highly reliable under ideal conditions.
Insurance coverage for genetic tests varies widely. It often depends on the type of test and individual insurance policies. It’s always best to check with your health insurance provider.
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