Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (HBCH&RC) in New Chandigarh has identified inherited cancer risks in nearly 30% of 1,000 North Indian families evaluated through its Cancer Genetics Clinic, with around 95% of detected mutations linked to breast and ovarian cancers.
Launched in January 2025, the specialised clinic provides genetic counselling to identify people at increased risk of hereditary cancers before symptoms emerge.
The initiative aims to support early detection, preventive measures and personalised treatment.
Of the 1,000 families counselled, 912 cancer-affected index patients underwent genetic testing, with the hospital recording a mutation detection rate of approximately 30%.
The clinic has tested 132 blood relatives, including parents, siblings and children, to identify inherited risks and guide timely screening.
“Genetic testing is usually done through a simple blood test that examines 26 to 84 genes, depending on the clinical requirement,” said HBCH&RC Punjab Director Dr Ashish Gulia.
Dr Ashish Gulia said the results could help doctors recommend personalised treatment, intensive surveillance, preventive measures and risk-reducing surgery where appropriate.
Testing can identify relatives who may benefit from screening.
The clinic operates under Genetic Counsellor Hashime Ismail, Radiation Oncologist Dr Pragyat Thakur and Medical Oncology Head Dr Seema Gulia.
Dr Gulia recommended genetic counselling when cancer affects several family members, develops at an unusually young age, occurs in both paired organs or appears as multiple primary cancers.
Certain polyps, cysts, small skin bumps and pigmented patches may, however, indicate hereditary cancer syndromes.
Selected patients with breast, ovarian, gastrointestinal and prostate cancers may benefit from counselling.
HBCH&RC Punjab has opened another Cancer Genetics Clinic in Sangrur and plans to establish an in-house genetic testing facility. It currently sends samples to Tata Memorial Centre in Mumbai.
The hospital operates under the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India.
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