CellMax Life, the precision cancer testing company, announced the immediate availability in the United States of the CellMax-DNA Genetic Cancer Risk Test, which examines 98 genes across 24 hereditary cancers using its proprietary SMSEQ Platform.  The CellMax Genetic Cancer Test requires only a saliva sample, and will be sold to consumers for only $149 through the end of 2016.

CellMax Life’s DNA test uses next generation sequencing to detect gene mutations known to increase lifetime cancer risk. The test surveys for increased genetic risk of 24 cancers including some of the most common cancers: lung, breast, colorectal, prostate, stomach, along with bladder, pancreas, kidney, 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 not only covers BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes entirely, but also examines a number of other genes associated with breast cancer including ATM, BARD1, CDH1, CHEK2, NBN, NF1, PALB2, PPM1D, PTEN, RAD51C, RAD51D, STK11, 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.

“The public has already been fairly well-educated on the value of genetic testing for breast cancer,” said Dr. Ashish Nimgaonkar, MD, Asst. Professor of Medicine and Associate Medical Director, Center for Bioengineering Innovation and Design at Johns Hopkins University, USA. “The ability of the CellMax-DNA Genetic Cancer Test to identify mutations associated with 24 hereditary cancers in an affordable saliva test, is valuable to both patients and their doctors in planning for appropriate screening frequency and preventative measures.”

According to the US National Cancer Institute, more than 4 in 10 people in the United States will get cancer in their lifetime. Individuals who inherit mutated genes associated with cancer:  Have a greater risk of getting cancer; Tend to get their cancers earlier in life; The cancer is usually more aggressive.

Thus, individuals who know they have inherited an increased cancer risk can work with their doctors to plan for earlier and more frequent cancer screening.

It is well-accepted that the prognosis for cancer survival is higher when detected at early stages. The survival outlook is assessed by the 5-year survival rate stratified based on stage of detection.

“Our goal is to make personalized, comprehensive cancer diagnostics affordable and accessible to every individual,” said Dr. Mana K Javey, MD, PhD, VP of medical affairs, CellMax Life. “By providing the industry’s broadest gene panel for hereditary cancer risk testing, we are enabling individuals and their physicians to do high-impact health planning.”

CellMax Life’s SMSEQ platform has an analytical specificity of =99.999%This patented technology, combined with years of research and development advancements enables CellMax to offer an extremely cost effective and comprehensive genetic cancer risk test, utilizing an expanded 98 gene panel using personal DNA from a saliva sample.

The CellMax-DNA Genetic Cancer Risk Test is available immediately via CellMax Life’s CLIA certified laboratory in Sunnyvale, California. The test will available for only $149 through December 31, 2016; it is normally priced at $299. The test can be ordered online or through CellMax Life’s provider network.  No dietary restrictions or medication alterations are necessary. CellMax is currently available throughout the United States, except for selected states; new states are being added on a regular basis.  CellMax Life’s current list of states.

CellMax Life, Inc. is a precision cancer blood-testing company providing comprehensive, personalized multi-biomarker technology platforms for genetic cancer risk assessment, early detection and personalized treatment of cancer.