Health

Inherited cancer risk found in nearly 30% of tested patients at Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital, New Chandigarh

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Nearly 30 per cent of cancer patients tested at the Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (HBCH&RC) in New Chandigarh carry genetic changes linked to an inherited cancer risk, the hospital said on 14 October 2026. Its Cancer Genetics Clinic has counselled more than 1,000 North Indian families since it opened in January 2025.

inherited cancer risk: A patient consultation at Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital, New Chandigarh
A patient consultation at Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital, New Chandigarh Photo: PIB (Government of India, free to use with credit).

What the inherited cancer risk tests found

Of the families counselled, 912 cancer-affected index patients, meaning the first family member to bring a possible hereditary condition to the clinic, have been tested so far. The overall mutation detection rate was about 30 per cent. Around 95 per cent of the mutations found were tied to breast and ovarian cancers. The clinic also tested 132 at-risk blood relatives, such as siblings, parents and children. The Tribune reported the same figures.

Key Facts

  • Families counselled: 1,000+
  • Patients tested: 912
  • Mutation detection: about 30%
  • Linked to breast or ovarian cancer: about 95%
  • Relatives tested: 132

A blood test that checks 26 to 84 genes

Director Dr Ashish Gulia said genetic testing is usually a simple blood test that examines 26 to 84 genes, depending on clinical need. The results help oncologists judge whether a patient has an inherited change that raises the risk of certain cancers, and can guide treatment, closer surveillance, preventive steps and risk-reducing surgery where needed. Samples are now sent to Tata Memorial Centre in Mumbai, and the hospital is working on an in-house testing facility.

Breast and ovarian cancer: who should get counselling

Dr Gulia said people should consider genetic counselling if several family members have cancer, especially the same or related types, or if cancer appears at an unusually young age. Other warning signs include cancer in both paired organs, such as both breasts, or more than one primary cancer. HBCH&RC Punjab, a unit of Tata Memorial Centre under the Department of Atomic Energy, has also started a genetics clinic at its Sangrur centre. The New Chandigarh clinic is run by genetic counsellor Hashime Ismail, radiation oncologist Dr Pragyat Thakur and medical oncology head Dr Seema Gulia.

Why It Matters: Knowing a family mutation lets doctors start screening relatives years before symptoms, which can turn late-stage cancers into early, treatable ones.

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Source: PIB · The Tribune · Bharat Express

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