Types of Genetic Testing: Hereditary Cancer Testing and Carrier Screening

19/06/2026

Genetic testing is becoming an increasingly important part of modern healthcare. For many people, it may sound highly scientific or complicated. But in simple terms, genetic testing looks at information in your DNA to help understand certain health risks, inherited conditions, or potential risks that may be passed on to future children.

At Sunway Medical Centre, genetic testing is not just about receiving a laboratory report. It is part of a more personalised genomic medicine approach, where patients are guided to understand their genetic information with professional support and genetic counselling.

Two common types of genetic testing are Hereditary Cancer Genetic Testing and Carrier Screening. They serve different purposes, but both can help individuals, couples, and families make more informed healthcare decisions.

1. Hereditary Cancer Genetic Testing: When Cancer Runs in the Family

If several family members have had cancer, it is natural to wonder, “Does this mean I am at risk too?”

This is a very common and valid concern. Most cancers happen by chance or develop due to a combination of factors such as age, lifestyle, environment, and general health. However, some cancers are linked to inherited genetic changes that can be passed down from one generation to the next.

Hereditary Cancer Genetic Testing helps identify whether a person carries certain gene changes that may increase the risk of cancers such as breast, ovarian, colorectal, prostate, and other cancers.

It is important to understand that this test does not diagnose cancer. Instead, it helps identify whether a person may have an inherited cancer risk, so preventive or early-detection steps can be planned with a doctor.

Signs That Cancer May Be Hereditary

Genetic testing for cancer risk may be worth considering if there are certain patterns in the family, such as:

• Several family members with the same or related cancers
• Cancer diagnosed at a younger age than usual
• One person having more than one type of cancer
• Rare cancers occurring in the family
• Cancer appearing across multiple generations
• A known genetic mutation already identified in a family member

If any of these situations sound familiar, speaking with a genomic medicine team or genetic counsellor may be a good first step.

Why Knowing Your Genetic Cancer Risk Matters

Knowing your genetic risk does not mean living in fear. In fact, it can help you and your doctor take a more proactive and targeted approach to your health.

Understanding hereditary cancer risk may help you consider:

• Earlier or more frequent cancer screening
• More personalised follow-up based on your risk profile
• Targeted preventive strategies
• Lifestyle and healthcare decisions guided by better information
• Useful information for family members who may share similar risks

For many people, genetic testing brings clarity. Even when the result is normal, patients may feel reassured because they have more accurate information to guide future health decisions.

If I Have a Genetic Mutation, Will I Definitely Get Cancer?

No.

This is one of the most common worries about genetic testing. Having a certain genetic mutation may mean an increased risk of cancer, but it does not mean a person will definitely develop cancer.

Risk is influenced by many factors, including medical history, lifestyle, age, environment, and family background. This is why genetic test results should always be interpreted together with a healthcare professional and not viewed in isolation.

2. Carrier Screening: Genetic Testing for Couples Planning a Family

Another common type of genetic testing is Carrier Screening. This test helps couples understand whether one or both partners carry genetic changes that could be passed on to a child.

Most carriers are healthy and do not have symptoms. A person may carry a genetic change without knowing it. The risk becomes more relevant when both partners carry a gene change linked to the same inherited condition, as this can increase the chance of having a child affected by that condition.

Carrier Screening can be done before pregnancy or during early pregnancy. Ideally, it is done before pregnancy, as this gives couples more time to understand their results, discuss options, and make decisions calmly.

“We’re Healthy. Do We Still Need Carrier Screening?”

This is a common question.

Yes, carrier screening may still be worth considering even if both partners are healthy and have no known family history of genetic conditions. Many inherited conditions do not cause symptoms in adult carriers. In some families, there may also be no obvious history because the condition has never appeared or been diagnosed.

Carrier Screening helps uncover hidden risks, allowing couples to make informed choices before or during pregnancy.

What Conditions Can Carrier Screening Check For?

The conditions screened depend on the genetic testing package or panel selected. In general, carrier screening may include conditions such as:

• Thalassaemia
• Spinal muscular atrophy, or SMA
• Cystic fibrosis
• Certain inherited metabolic conditions
• Other genetic conditions that may be passed down in families

Your doctor or genetic counsellor can help recommend the most appropriate screening based on your background, family history, and personal needs.

What Happens If Both Partners Are Carriers?

If both partners are found to be carriers for the same condition, it does not mean they cannot have a healthy child.

Instead, this information allows couples to:

• Understand the actual level of risk
• Explore available reproductive options
• Plan pregnancy care with specialist support
• Receive medical and emotional guidance
• Make decisions with greater confidence

In this situation, genetic counselling plays an important role in helping couples understand the results clearly and consider the next steps without feeling overwhelmed.

Why Genetic Counselling Matters in Genetic Testing

Whether you are considering Hereditary Cancer Genetic Testing or Carrier Screening, genetic counselling is an essential part of the process.

A genetic counsellor can help patients and families:

• Decide whether genetic testing is appropriate
• Understand the different types of tests available
• Learn what the test can and cannot tell them
• Interpret results correctly
• Discuss medical, emotional, and family implications
• Plan the next steps together with the healthcare team

With the right guidance, genetic testing becomes clearer, safer, and more meaningful. Patients do not just receive a report — they understand what the results may mean for their health and their family.

Genetic Testing Helps You Take Action, Not Guess

Genetic testing is not about predicting the future with certainty. It provides personalised information that can help individuals and families make decisions based on clearer evidence, rather than worry or uncertainty.

For someone with a family history of cancer, Hereditary Cancer Genetic Testing may help clarify whether there is an inherited risk to consider. For couples planning a pregnancy, Carrier Screening may support more confident family planning.

With accurate information and professional guidance, genetic testing can become an important step towards more proactive healthcare.

Take the First Step with Sunway Medical Centre

If you have a family history of cancer, are planning a pregnancy, or want to understand your genetic risks better, Sunway Medical Centre offers genetic packages to help you begin a more personalised health journey.

Contact Sunway Medical Centre via WhatsApp at +6019-2009191 or email us at [email protected] for more information or to purchase our genetic packages.