Russia Now Offers Free Genetic Cancer Testing Under State Insurance

In Russia, genetic testing for cancer is now available under the mandatory health insurance system. Patients can access these tests at the Primorsky Regional Oncology Dispensary in Vladivostok. The process helps determine an individual’s risk based on their genetic makeup and family history. Genetic factors play a major role in cancer development, accounting for 60–80% of a patient’s risk in some cases. Anna Stenkova, an associate professor at FEFU’s School of Biomedicine, recently explained to PrimaMedia how these risks are assessed. A medical geneticist reviews a patient’s medical history and calculates their likelihood of developing the disease.

Not all cancers have clear genetic markers. Some conditions are directly linked to specific gene mutations, while others depend on probability alone. Even when a family history suggests a hereditary risk, identifying the exact genes or DNA segments responsible isn’t always possible. Cancer itself arises from genetic abnormalities in cells, often pointing to a hereditary predisposition. However, the final risk is shaped by multiple factors, not just a single mutation. Genetic testing is now clinically recommended for nearly all types of cancer to provide a clearer picture of individual risk.

The inclusion of genetic testing in Russia’s mandatory health insurance system allows more patients to assess their cancer risk. While genetics can explain a large portion of susceptibility, other factors also influence disease development. The Primorsky Regional Oncology Dispensary continues to offer these evaluations as part of routine cancer care.