Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital Screens 1,000 Families; Detects Hereditary Cancer Risk

Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (HBCH&RC), New Chandigarh, has identified inherited cancer risks in nearly 30% of 1,000 North Indian families evaluated through its Cancer Genetics Clinic. Around 95% of the detected mutations were linked to breast and ovarian cancers.

The hospital launched the specialised clinic in January 2025. It provides genetic counselling to identify people with inherited cancer risks before symptoms emerge.

The initiative guides patients and families on early detection, prevention and personalised treatment.

Of the 1,000 families counselled, 912 cancer-affected index patients have undergone genetic testing. Hospital data recorded a mutation detection rate of approximately 30%. The clinic has tested 132 blood relatives, including parents, siblings and children, to identify inherited risks and support 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. He explained that results can inform personalised treatment, intensive surveillance, preventive measures and risk-reducing surgery where indicated. Testing can help 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 advised genetic counselling when cancer affects several relatives, develops unusually early, occurs in both paired organs or appears as multiple primary cancers.

Certain polyps, cysts, small skin bumps and pigmented patches may indicate hereditary cancer syndromes. Counselling may benefit selected patients with breast, ovarian, gastrointestinal and prostate cancers.

HBCH&RC Punjab has opened another Cancer Genetics Clinic in Sangrur and plans an in-house genetic testing facility. It currently sends samples to Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai. The hospital operates under the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India.

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