Am I at risk if my family or relatives have cancer?
Am I at risk if my family or relatives have cancer?
Some types of cancer can run in families. Usually cancer is not inherited. However, some people are born with an increased risk of cancer because they inherit an altered gene important for cell growth or for repair of damaged DNA, for example.
Scientists have already identified some of the gene alterations that predispose some people to various types of cancer, such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer and colon cancer.
Some types of cancer are less likely to be genetic, such as cervical cancer and lung cancer.
“It’s estimated that between 3 and 10 in every 100 cancers are associated with an inherited faulty gene.”
An example of inherited genetic changes is BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. These mutations increase the risk of breast cancer and pancreatic cancer in both men and women while the risk of ovarian cancer in women and the risk of prostate cancer in men.
What are the signs that I may have an inherited cancer syndrome?
The very first toll to detect any inherited cancer syndromes is to know the family history of cancer. This helps your cancer specialist or medical oncologist check whether inherited cancer syndromes a possibility or not.
If you have a member in your family, who has been already diagnosed with an inherited cancer syndrome, them may know the specific genetic change your doctor should consider. The ethnic origin of your ancestor also plays a vital role in knowing and determining which cancer types you are more likely to inherit.
Some cancers look very specific under microscope due to genetic mutation. For example, a particular type of thyroid cancer is strongly associated with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). This increases the risk of cancer in the colon, small intestine, and stomach.
So knowing about FAP means that entire families can join screening programs for early detection of cancer.
There are also certain accepted facts or research, it’s only likely that a cancer gene is present in a family if:
- there are 2 or more close relatives on the same side of the family (your mother’s or your father’s side) with the same type of cancer; especially breast and ovarian cancer or bowel and womb cancer.
- cancers are occurring at young ages (before the age of 50).
- a close relative has had 2 different types of cancer (rather than 1 cancer that has spread).
How do I get tested for an inherited cancer syndrome?
Testing inherited cancer syndrome before or after cancer develops, requires few things like family history, genetic counselling, genetic testing and laboratory testing.
Genetic tests can be done on a sample of fresh blood or on preserved tissue that was taken in a biopsy or surgery earlier. Testing techniques can vary depending on the detection site or tissue and the technology is evolving rapidly.
What does it mean to have an inherited cancer syndrome?
Having an inherited cancer syndrome means having an increased risk of cancer development. But it doesn’t necessarily mean you will develop cancer. If any one member of the family has an inherited cancer syndrome, it can help other members to be aware of the potential risk.
The good news is that the medical community has many ways to help manage inherited risks for cancer. You should contact your cancer specialist if some close family members or relatives have developed cancer and you’re worried that you might develop cancer yourself.
The consultant oncologist will ask about your family history, and if they think there’s a chance you have an increased risk of developing cancer, they’ll refer you to some cancer diagnostic procedures.