Cancer and family genetics: Understanding cancer remains a challenge for medical science. It is a serious and complex disease. Genetic changes are said to play a significant role in the development of cancer. If there is a history of Cancer (Cancer and family genetics) in your family, it is important for you to know if this disease can be hereditary. Today we will learn whether cancer can be hereditary and how genetic factors can increase the risk of cancer.
What is the connection between cancer and genetics?
The impact of genetic factors means that there may be congenital changes in some genes that promote this abnormal growth. If a person has a history of Cancer in their family, that person may have a higher risk of developing cancer.
Generally, the body has several safety mechanisms to prevent the abnormal division or growth of any cell. Cancer occurs when the body’s cells begin to grow abnormally. When the safety mechanisms malfunction for some reason, the cells get out of control and take the form of cancer.
Causes of hereditary cancer
Gene mutations: Some genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, can increase the risk of cancer. Mutations in these genes can increase the risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer. If these mutations are hereditary in the family, their effect can also be seen in the next generation.
Family history: If a person’s close relatives (such as parents, or siblings) have had cancer, that person is also at higher risk. Such family patterns are seen in some types of cancer, such as stomach, rectal, and lung cancer.
Hereditary syndromes: Some rare hereditary syndromes, such as Lynch Syndrome and Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, are associated with a high risk of cancer. These syndromes are caused by gene mutations and increase the risk of related cancers.
Can the hereditary risk of cancer increase?
Hereditary cancer does not mean that every person who receives these types of genetic changes will get cancer. But it does mean that the person is more susceptible to that particular type of cancer.
Some key signs that can help indicate a hereditary risk of cancer in a family:
If a history of cancer has been seen in more than one generation.
If cancer is associated with a particular type (such as breast or ovarian cancer).
If cancer develops at a relatively young age.
How to reduce the hereditary risk of cancer?
Genetic testing: If you have a family history of Cancer, you can get genetic testing. This test will help determine if you have any genetic mutations that can increase your risk of cancer.
Healthy lifestyle: A healthy diet, regular exercise, and avoidance of smoking can reduce the risk of cancer. If you have a family history of cancer, these steps become even more important. Regular screening: Regular screening and check-ups are essential to reduce the risk of hereditary cancer. For example, breast cancer screening (mammography), Pap smear for cervical cancer, and colonoscopy for colon cancer.
Risk-reduction surgery: If a person is at high risk, in some cases, doctors may also recommend surgery to reduce the risk, such as breast or ovary surgery. Cancer can be hereditary, but it doesn’t mean that if someone in your family has had cancer, you will too. Gene mutations and family history can increase the risk of cancer, but a healthy lifestyle and regular check-ups can reduce this risk.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended only to raise awareness about diseases and health problems. It is not a substitute for any qualified medical opinion. Therefore, readers are advised not to try any medicine, treatment or prescription on their own, but to consult an expert or doctor related to that medical field.
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