If a member of your family is diagnosed with oesophageal cancer, you are naturally concerned, in the first instance, about the person affected by this disease. Later, however, other concerns will often also start to play on your mind. Is it hereditary? Will I get it too? Can I do anything to reduce the risk?
At iGene we deal with heredity and prevention on a daily basis and help you find answers to these kinds of questions.
Oesophageal cancer, also known as oesophageal carcinoma, is a form of cancer of the oesophagus and generally starts in the mucous membrane. In recent years the number of cases of oesophageal cancer has risen sharply. Oesophageal cancer is mainly diagnosed in people over the age of 60 and affects more men than women. Typical symptoms include problems with swallowing and pain. The prognosis for oesophageal cancer is poor, unless the disease is detected at an early stage.
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Genetic predisposition to oesophageal cancer
Your personal risk of oesophageal cancer depends on various factors. One of these is your DNA, but environmental factors and lifestyle also play an important role. To make a statement about your genetic predisposition, we examine mutations (changes or errors) in your DNA.
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Preventing oesophageal cancer
Scientists are finding out more and more about ways to reduce the risk of oesophageal cancer. That means you can take steps yourself to prevent oesophageal cancer. iGene can help by sharing relevant scientific information with you.
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Want to reduce your risk of oesophageal cancer?
An iGene Passport allows you to see straight away whether you have an increased or reduced risk of a large number of hereditary conditions, including oesophageal cancer. If it becomes apparent that you are at an increased risk of oesophageal cancer, you will also receive targeted information on how to reduce this risk.
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A healthy lifestyle thanks to your iGene Passport
For as long as you are using iGene you will continue to receive information based on the latest scientific insights. That means that if important discoveries are made in the future that will help you take even more effective steps to prevent oesophageal cancer, you will be able to benefit from them straight away.