Can cancer be inherited?
September 21, 2022 | 45,00 EUR | answered by Marie Hahn
Dear Doctor,
My name is Bernhard Hofmannsdorf and I am very concerned about my health. There have been several cases of cancer in my family, both in my parents and grandparents. Now I am wondering if cancer can be hereditary and if I have an increased risk of developing cancer as well.
My father had prostate cancer a few years ago and my mother was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. My maternal grandparents also had various forms of cancer, including lung cancer and colon cancer. Given this family history, I am very worried about my own health and wonder if I should take preventive measures to reduce the risk of cancer.
I have already researched some information on the internet, but I am unsure about how strong my genetic risk for cancer actually is and if I should undergo special genetic tests. Are there ways to determine my cancer risk and what preventive measures might be appropriate in my case? Should I consider regular screenings and what other steps can I take to minimize my risk?
I would greatly appreciate it if you could provide me with more information on this topic and help me alleviate my worries and fears. Thank you in advance for your support.
Sincerely,
Bernhard Hofmannsdorf
Dear Mr. Hofmannsdorf,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise as an oncologist. It is understandable that you are very concerned about your health given your family history. It is important to take these concerns seriously and to inform yourself about possible preventive measures.
First and foremost, I want to assure you that not all types of cancer are genetically inherited. Only about 5-10% of all cancer cases are caused by inherited genetic mutations. However, in your case, with several cases of cancer in the family, it is possible that there is a genetic risk.
Regarding the question of whether cancer can be inherited: Yes, there are certain genetic mutations that can increase the risk for certain types of cancer. A well-known example is the BRCA gene mutation, which increases the risk for breast and ovarian cancer. Therefore, it would be advisable in your case to consider genetic testing to better assess your personal risk.
Genetic testing can reveal whether you carry certain genetic mutations that are associated with an increased risk of cancer. With this information, you can discuss appropriate preventive measures with your treating physician. These may include regular screenings, a healthy lifestyle with balanced nutrition and regular physical activity, as well as avoidance of risk factors such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
It is also important to realize that not everyone with a genetic predisposition will actually develop cancer. Environmental factors and individual lifestyle choices also play a role. Nonetheless, it is wise to be aware of your risk and take appropriate preventive measures.
I strongly recommend seeking advice from an oncologist or a genetics specialist to discuss your individual situation and take appropriate actions. Early diagnosis and preventive measures can help reduce your risk and protect your health.
I hope this information is helpful to you and I am available to answer any further questions you may have. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need further assistance.
Sincerely,
Marie Hahn
