12 cancer screening tests India doctors recommend

9. Genetic counselling and risk-based screening for families at high risk

When there is a strong family history of cancer (multiple relatives, early-onset cancers, or known gene variants), doctors recommend referral to a genetic counsellor. Genetic counselling helps identify whether targeted genetic testing is appropriate and which screening plan should follow — for example, earlier or more frequent breast and ovarian surveillance for BRCA mutation carriers. Genetic services are available at major cancer centres and private labs in India; testing and counselling costs vary widely, with tests costing several thousand to tens of thousands of rupees depending on the panel.