When someone in your family is diagnosed with cancer, it can be a scary and confusing time. One of the big questions people often have is whether cancer and genetics play a big role in this illness being passed down from one generation to the next.
In this article, we’ll dive into how genetics play a role in cancer, whether you’re more likely to get cancer if your parents had it, and what you can do to prevent it – including things like regular checkups, lifestyle changes, and even genetic testing for cancer.
Is Cancer Hereditary?
So, is cancer hereditary? The answer is a little complicated. While most cancers aren’t inherited directly, some types can be linked to genetic mutations that run in families. About 5-10% of all cancers are thought to be due to inherited genetic mutations, which means they are passed down from your parents or grandparents.
The most well-known examples are BRCA1 and BRCA2, which are genes that can increase the risk of breast, ovarian, and other cancers. If you have a parent or close relative with these gene mutations, your risk for developing certain cancers may be higher. These mutations don’t guarantee that you’ll get cancer, but they can significantly increase your chances.
In fact, some people might even be able to get genetic cancer screening or a DNA test for cancer to help them understand their own genetic risks. Through this type of testing, doctors can see if you have any inherited mutations that could make you more likely to develop cancer in the future. But just because you have a gene mutation doesn’t mean you will definitely get cancer—it just means you may be at a higher risk.
What Cancers Are Genetic?
Not all types of cancer are linked to genetic mutations. In fact, most cancers happen due to a combination of lifestyle, environmental factors, and random mutations that aren’t inherited. However, some cancers are more likely to run in families because of specific genetic factors.
Here are a few cancers that are known to have a genetic connection:
- Breast cancer: Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes can significantly increase your risk of developing breast cancer.
- Ovarian cancer: Similar to breast cancer, certain mutations (like BRCA1 and BRCA2) can also increase the chances of developing ovarian cancer.
- Colon cancer: Some forms of colon cancer, like Lynch syndrome, are passed down genetically. This can also increase the risk of other cancers, like uterine and stomach cancers.
- Prostate cancer: If your father or brother had prostate cancer, your risk of getting it may be higher, especially if it runs in the family.
- Melanoma: Skin cancer, especially melanoma, can sometimes have a genetic link, especially in people with a family history of the disease.
These are just a few examples, but the key takeaway is that some cancers are more likely to be passed down genetically than others. If you have a family history of any of these cancers, it might be worth considering genetic testing for cancer to better understand your risk.
How Likely Are You to Get Cancer If One or Both of Your Parents Have It?
If one or both of your parents have had cancer, you might be wondering if you’re at higher risk of getting it yourself. The short answer is: it depends. If the cancer is hereditary, meaning it’s linked to a genetic mutation passed down through the family, then yes, your risk may be higher.
For example, if your mother or father had breast cancer and tested positive for the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, you may be at an increased risk of developing breast cancer yourself. This doesn’t mean you will definitely get it, but your chances could be higher than someone without that family history.
That said, many cancers aren’t hereditary, and most people with a family history of cancer won’t develop it themselves. Other factors, like lifestyle choices and environmental exposures, also play a major role in cancer risk.
According to the American Cancer Society, having a family member with cancer may double your risk of developing certain types of cancer. But even with this increased risk, the vast majority of people with a family history of cancer won’t develop the disease.
How Important Is It to Do Regular Checkups?
Even if you have a family history of cancer or have concerns about your genetic risk, regular checkups are still one of the best ways to catch potential problems early. Many cancers, when caught early, are more treatable, so it’s really important to keep up with screenings and talk to your doctor about your risk.
If you’re at a higher risk for certain cancers due to genetics, your doctor might recommend more frequent screenings. For example, women with a family history of breast cancer may be advised to start mammograms earlier than usual or undergo genetic testing to determine if they have BRCA mutations. Regular checkups also give doctors the chance to track any changes in your health over time, helping them spot problems before they get serious.
It’s also important to know your own body and keep an eye on any changes, like lumps, unusual bleeding, or unexplained pain. If you notice anything odd, don’t be afraid to bring it up to your doctor.
Can Genetic Testing for Cancer Help?
Now, let’s talk about genetic testing for cancer. This type of testing involves analyzing your DNA to look for inherited mutations that may increase your risk of developing certain cancers. If your family has a history of cancer, your doctor may suggest genetic cancer screening to see if you have any of the mutations linked to a higher risk.
If the test reveals that you have a mutation, you might be able to take steps to reduce your risk or catch the cancer early. For example, if you test positive for the BRCA gene mutations, your doctor might recommend more frequent breast cancer screenings or even preventive surgery, like a mastectomy, depending on your risk level.
However, how accurate is genetic testing for cancer? The accuracy can vary. Genetic tests can be helpful, but they’re not always 100% precise. Sometimes, a genetic test might not show any mutations, even if you have an increased risk of cancer, or it could indicate a mutation, even if you never develop cancer. That’s why it’s important to talk to a genetic counselor or your doctor before and after taking the test to help you understand what the results mean for you.
What Can You Do to Prevent Cancer If Genetic Testing Shows You’re At Risk?
So, if genetic tests reveal that you’re at a higher risk of getting cancer in the future, is there anything you can do to prevent it? The good news is, there are several lifestyle changes that can lower your overall cancer risk, even if you have a genetic predisposition.
Here are a few changes that could help reduce your chances of developing cancer:
- Eat a healthy diet: Focus on eating lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. A healthy diet can help reduce the risk of several types of cancer.
- Exercise regularly: Physical activity is linked to a lower risk of many cancers, including breast and colon cancer.
- Don’t smoke: Smoking is a major cause of several types of cancer, including lung, throat, and mouth cancer. If you don’t smoke, don’t start, and if you do, try to quit.
- Limit alcohol: Drinking alcohol increases your risk of cancers like liver, mouth, and breast cancer, so try to drink in moderation.
- Protect your skin: Use sunscreen and avoid tanning beds to reduce your risk of skin cancer.
These lifestyle changes can have a big impact, even if you have a genetic risk. However, if genetic testing reveals that you’re at very high risk for a specific cancer, your doctor may recommend more aggressive preventive measures, like surgery or medications.
Is There a Vaccine for Cancer?
As of now, a universal vaccine for cancer is in its early trials. However, there are vaccines that can help prevent certain types of cancer. For example, the HPV vaccine helps protect against the human papillomavirus, which can cause cervical and other cancers. There’s also a hepatitis B vaccine, which can reduce the risk of liver cancer.
While these vaccines don’t treat existing cancers, they can help prevent certain cancers from developing in the first place, especially if you’re exposed to cancer-causing viruses.
Conclusion
Cancer can sometimes be hereditary, but most cancers are not passed down through genetics. However, if your family has a history of cancer, genetic testing for cancer can help you understand your risk and take steps to protect yourself.
Regular checkups, healthy lifestyle changes, and vaccines are all ways to reduce your chances of developing cancer in the future. And while there isn’t a one-size-fits-all cure for cancer, science is making progress in understanding how genetics and lifestyle choices can impact cancer risk—and that’s something we can all benefit from.