A new study by the Cleveland Clinic found that 5% of Americans carry genetic mutations that are in connection to some type of cancer, regardless of family or personal history. There were about 400,000 individuals that were tested and about 3,400 new mutations were discovered over the course of 70 cancer related genes. This proves that the risk of getting any type of cancer is more common than we thought. Originally, genetic testing was meant to be given to people that were at high risk. As of recently, it’s noticed that there’s a bigger need for it regardless of your medical history. This could be due to many factors that are encouraging these numbers to rise such as environmental factors.
“As genetic testing becomes more accessible, Drs. Arbesman and Ni say they hope that their findings will support broader adoption of testing and routine cancer screenings such as mammography and colonoscopy” (New Cleveland Clinic Research finds up to 5% of Americans carry genetic mutations associated with cancer risk, 2025). Early detection is the best way to fight cancer. By creating more accessible programs, there can be more screening opportunities and prevention for the future generations.
New Cleveland Clinic Research finds up to 5% of Americans carry genetic mutations associated with cancer risk. Newswise. (n.d.). https://www.newswise.com/articles/new-cleveland-clinic-research-finds-up-to-5-of-americans-carry-genetic-mutations-associated-with-cancer-risk
Genetic mutations. Genetic Mutations | American Cancer Society. (n.d.). https://www.cancer.org/cancer/understanding-cancer/genes-and-cancer/gene-changes.html
This study is very important to oncology. It really shifts the thinking from "only get tested if you have a family history" to "maybe this should be a normal part of health care for everyone." The fact that they found so many new mutations is interesting and shows we still have so much to learn when it comes to cancer.
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