Precision medicine is an approach to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention that takes into account the genes you were born with (your genetic makeup) or other markers expressed in cancer cells. In this approach, blood or tumor tissue is collected for analysis, which is often genetic. The information can help predict or diagnose a disease as well as guide treatment decisions. Cancer care is among the first medical specialties to apply precision medicine. There are many types of genetic and nongenetic tests for cancer that can help personalize treatment. Genetic tests look at your genetic makeup to determine your personal risk of developing cancers.Some tests also check for genetic changes or variants (called mutations) in cancer cells which help determine which treatments you are most likely to benefit from or whether you need any treatment at all. For example, cells taken from a breast tumor can be tested to determine whether it overproduces a protein called human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Someone with HER2-positive breast cancer is more likely to respond to drugs that target this protein. Some genetic tests reveal whether your body will turn on (activate) certain medications and thus help determine which treatments may be best for you.
  Cancer care – specific to precision medicine – is available in all of our center branches