2 days Ago By Bal Krishna Sah
Until recently, this test could not be performed in Nepal, according to an official from the National Public Health Laboratory. Santosh Subedee, Deputy Medical Chief of the Laboratory, told THT , "We were in the process of validation until a few days ago. From today it has been officially validated and announced that we can perform BRCA1 and BRCA2 tests.
" According to the Ministry of Health and Population, this test can be conducted at the National Public Health Laboratory from now on. "Previously, samples were sent outside the country for such tests. Genetic testing became possible after successful laboratory testing," Subedee said.
"Now, the National Public Health Laboratory can test the samples obtained from any part of the country for the hereditary test of breast cancer. Such a test has been possible for the first time, and there is no need to send the sample outside of the country. Tests for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes have been developed, which are linked to breast cancer.
" According to the National Cancer Institute of the United States government, BRCA1 (BReast CAncer gene 1) and BRCA2 (BReast CAncer gene 2) are genes that produce proteins that help repair damaged DNA. Everyone has two copies of each of these genes-one copy inherited from each parent. "Mutations (changes) in the BRCA1 gene significantly increase the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer.
These mutations can also increase the risk of developing other types of cancer, such as prostate cancer and pancreatic cancer. The BRCA1 gene is located on chromosome 17, which is 1 of the 23 pairs of chromosomes in human cells," reads its website. "The BRCA2 gene is located on chromosome 13, which is 1 of the 23 pairs of chromosomes in human cells.
" These tests will determine whether a person and their family are genetically predisposed to breast cancer. Based on this, doctors believe that if treatment is initiated early on, the person's family can be saved from breast cancer. According to Subedee, patients are required to pay around Rs 50000 for the test.
However, it could now be performed in Nepal at a reasonable cost. According to the laboratory, such samples will be tested from blood and tissue. In addition, the laboratory will regularly add four types of cancer-related sample tests.
Previously, it was mostly sent in India for testing, and it required more time to send the sample and results. However, with this achievement, it is believed that the test will be performed in Nepal at a convenient cost and more time can be saved. Breast cancer poses a significant social and economic burden in Nepal.
Each year, approximately 2000 people in Nepal undergo genetic testing for breast cancer. The National Public Health Laboratory now conducts these tests on a regular basis..
