Cancer in Family: How and Why?

Whatever the disease be, the first question that comes into one’s mind is if it is communicable or not. Does it spread? If so, then how? By touch or through bodily fluids? Or is it hereditary?

Cancer has an ominous stigma attached to it. Anyone who comes in contact with it, even when they do not have it, possesses a fear in their mind. Fear for their life, fear for their family.

Can cancer be genetic?

It is true that some cancers are genetic or hereditary. They can run in the family and one can have a greater risk of contracting it if they have a family history of cancer. What is necessary for you when diagnosing yourself or starting to take cancer precautions is to identify which type of cancer your family member(s) has had. Some cancers are caused by gene defects. Those cancers can pass down, but the probability of it happening to every blood relative is not that high. There are also cancers that are not genetic or familial. Other factors, such as eating habits, living conditions, and locality, can affect this.

Cancer due to Gene Mutation

About 3% to 10% of all cancers are genetic. They are a result of genetic mutations, which are passed along generation from generation. Also, cancers like breast cancer, ovarian, or uterine cancer are not caused by a mutation, but people with a family history are at a higher risk than others.

What to do if any blood relative has had cancer?

Consult a cancer doctor if you have doubts. These doubts could raise if more than one family member has had one type of cancer, or they had it in both the organs (such as both breasts, both ovaries, testicles, etc.). Also, cancer in siblings is not unheard of and can especially happen when cancer happens at a young age. One should have a yearly checkup anyway, especially if you have a family history. 

Best Oncologist in Delhi NCR, Dr. Manish Singhal, highly suggests that one should always have routine checkups, especially with family history in cancer. This is the first step in availing the best cancer treatment. If your oncologist in Delhi suggests that you might have genetic mutation after studying your family history, he/she can ask you to proceed with the best cancer treatment in Delhi.

Does every gene mutation cause cancer?

Not every genetic defect results in cancer. The genes whose defect cause cancer are called cancer susceptibility genes. People having mutations known as BRCA are especially prone to cancers. These gene mutations are tested by cancer specialists in Noida. 

Keep in mind that hereditary and genetic cancers are different. Genetic cancer is caused due to a gene mutation, such as BRCA-1, in which if one family member has breast cancer, another member can develop it, whereas hereditary cancer is due to a similar pattern of tumor development that runs in the family.

Prevention and Treatment

Remember, even if you possess the genetic mutation, that does not necessarily mean that you will have cancer. You are at a higher risk of having it, but having a gene mutation is not a death sentence. Talk to your cancer doctor, get counseling from an oncologist in Noida to learn about the steps going forward with the treatment. Trace your family medical history, do your own research. 

Indian medical research and development have come a long way. In Noida itself, Dr. Manish Singhal has helped numerous patients and their families to fight and win against cancer. The best doctors can help you prevent cancer even with the odds against you if you are diligent enough. Adopt better habits, take cancer precautions. You need to get tested more frequently and diligently than usual people and need to be strict about your health by leaving all the bad habits such as smoking, excessive drinking while maintaining a healthy lifestyle in terms of weight and exercise.