how could I find out if I'm at Risk?

Question

my sister has been digonose with brain cancer, she suffered real bad headaches, now she is going throu all the treatments, when I tell my concern to our mom she just like blocks it out, I feel like i need to know what to look for incase this happens to me, my father died of cancer and many other ralatives, i feel like my mom thinks I'm trying to turn my sister stitution into mine as if i got to have it too,

Answer 1

Brain cancer, (generally glioma) is relatively rare, and this type of cancer, as far as I am aware, does not appear to run in families, as do certain breast cancers. In case you are not aware, if you live long enough, you will die of cancer -- that is, if you do not die of heart problems, in child birth, in an accident, and so on. In ancient times, though cancers were recorded, and documented by the Greeks, as well as the Egyptians, because the average life span was only in the 30's, cancers were less common causes of death than today. So to answer your question, no, you are probably not at risk of getting this type of cancer. My dad answered a question for me once when I was a kid (He was an MD.) " Daddy, how do I know I don't have a cancer?" His answer, tongue in cheek, " Have an autopsy performed on yourself every six months." You should be aware that we all have a cancer all the time -- that is, if we define cancer as a cell that has made a mistake and is multiplying beyond ordinary ways. But our immune system recognizes the problem and destroys it. As we age, the immune system is less reliable. It is then that we get a cancer large enough to be found. Helpful?

Answer 2

I'm not sure how this might work where you are, or for the types of cancers your family has been getting, but I know you can be screened for the genentic predisposotion to breast cancer, for example. I would ask for an appointment , or some time to speak, at least, with your sister's doctor, if possible ( be honest with your sister about why), and outline your concerns. If he/she is not helpful, or is dismissive at all, try another doctor. You deserve a clear idea , as far as is possible,of what you might or might not expect, under the circumstances. Good luck.
P.S Remember that probabitlties are not certainties.:)

Answer 3

I have been living with brain cancer for the last 17 years. Although my family also has history of cancer, none of them have brain cancer. Because the causes of brain cancer are unclear, it's hard to determine who is at risk.

I agree that having a conversation with a doctor who knows your sister's situation might be helpful, but it also sounds like you and your family could use some support. The Brain Tumor Society (http://www.tbts.org/) was a big help to me and my family -- I have a little sister too, who was just 15 when I was first diagnosed. :-)

Hang in there.

Answer 4

Everyone is at risk of having cancer but brain cancer is not a type with strong familial connections. The best way to check on your own risks for cancer is to have a complete health check done yearly by a good internist who knows you, your health history and your family's health history. The Dr can then decide what tests you might need for evaluating your own cancer risks.

http://www.mayoclinic.org/news2005-mchi/2794.html

Answer 5

Your mom can't absorb any more tragedy or thoughts of losing you along with your sister, so don't ask her to tell you the signs. Ask the doctor caring for your sister instead. Your mom is grieving and in denial and you are getting paranoid. You both need to take a breather and get the facts so you can relax a little.

Answer 6

If cancer runs in your family , that does make you a risk. Make sure your talk to your Dr and get the correct yearly tests needed.
Early detection is the best medicine.