So like I mentioned in my previous post that I will leave what I do for a living to be discussed in another post. So here we are.
I am a Genetic Counselor. I am not sure a lot of you would know what that means. We are healthcare professionals specially trained in the field of genetics to help common man understand how their genetics can influence their health.
Genetic counseling is still quite a niche field in India and is evolving with time.
I currently specialize in Cancer Genetics. Cancers can also be hereditary in nature, if at all you were not aware about this. Although only 5-10% cancers are hereditary in nature. Based on an individual’s personal and family history of cancers, he/she can undergo appropriate genetic tests and understand his/her future risk for cancers. There on this risk can be managed with an effective screening plan for the individual for their future. There are also certain cancers which can completely be prevented by undergoing preventive surgeries.
If you are aware of the Jolie effect which happened in the US in 2013. Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie was identified to have a risk of breast and ovarian cancers based on her strong family history of cancers. The actress took the bold step of undergoing surgery to remove both her breast and her ovaries to reduce her risk for cancers.
Patients can also derive certain treatment benefits from their genetic test results. This holds true especially in cases of breast and ovarian cancers. There are specific drugs which work best for these patients.
A Genetic counselor serves as a bridge between the patient and their treating doctor. They analyze the personal and family history of the patient to suggest suitable tests. They also explain and help patients interpret their genetic test reports. Apart from this, genetic counselors also help deal with the various psychosocial issues which can be associated with the diagnosis of a genetic condition. To your surprise, based on the family dynamics and the cultural values of the society, there can be multiple issues of this nature.
Genetic counseling is the need of the hour, not just in oncology but in many other medical specialties as well. Pediatrics and gynaecology are two such well identified specialties. Children with congenital defects, physical and mental disabilities need to be thoroughly evaluated to understand the underlying genetic cause. This can help the couple to understand the risk of having a baby with the same condition in their future pregnancies. Not only that, there are tests available which can confirm if the baby inside the mother’s womb has the condition, during the pregnancy itself. One such commonly found genetic syndrome in Down syndrome.
With the rising rate of infertility in today’s youth due to n number of reasons, has given another face to genetics. Genetic tests are be used to determine the underlying cause behind infertility and accordingly advancements in healthcare are used to find a solution to it.
With the genius that this side of science is, I believe in the coming days, everything will revolve around genetics. And maybe our pockets will be the heaviest then! Haha!
So that was a brief insight for you on the revolutionizing technology of genetics and what I do for a living! Reach out to me in the comments section if you have queries, will be more than happy to answer!