17 November 2016 - - US-based precision cancer blood-testing company CellMax Life has launched the CellMax-DNA Genetic Cancer Risk Test in India, the company said.

This test examines 98 genes across 24 hereditary cancers using its proprietary SMSEQ platform.

The CellMax-DNA Genetic Cancer Risk Test requires only a saliva sample.

CellMax Life's DNA test uses next generation sequencing to detect gene mutations known to increase lifetime cancer risk.

The test surveys for increased risk of 24 cancers including some of the most common cancers: breast, lip, lung, colorectal and stomach, along with prostate, bladder, thyroid, ovary and others.

As an example of the extensive breadth of the gene panel analyzed by CellMax Life, to assess breast cancer risk, the CellMax-DNA test covers BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes entirely, and also examines a number of other genes associated with breast cancer, including ATM, BARD1, CDH1, CHEK2, NBN, NF1, PALB2, PPM1D, PTEN, RAD51C, RAD51D, STK11, and TP53.

Genetic mutations associated with increased cancer risk are passed from parent to offspring. These inherited abnormal genes are in contrast to acquired mutations which occur after birth and over time, and include environmental factors and lifestyle choices such as smoking or sun exposure.

Individuals with certain inherited genetic mutations carry a higher lifetime risk for various cancers. Their risk of getting these cancers can be up to 20 times greater than individuals without these mutations.

Cancers impacted by these inherited gene mutations are typically referred to as hereditary cancers.

CellMax Life provides personalised multi-biomarker technology platforms for genetic cancer risk assessment, early detection and personalized treatment of cancer.