I would like to know...?

Question

I am 25 years old and I would like to know.. is cancer genetic? My mother passed last may of lung (she was a non smoker) and bone cancer. My uncle (my mom's brother) passed away last week from esaphogas cancer. My sister died of Leukemia back in 1982. And my grandfather, (my mom's dad) passed in the early 1990's with lung cancer. On my fathers side, only one person has died of cancer. My aunt Catherine. She died just the other day of lung cancer. I would like to know if cancer is genetic ? Thank you.

Thank you Cassie and KF for your kind words.

Answer 1

Well yes if cancer runs in your family you could be at risk too. I am sure when they find what causes cancer that it is indeed something genetic that people are predisposed to. But not everyone will get it either. Just take care of your health and get thorough check ups often. A good doctor should being aware that cancer runs in your family, screen you and test you and look for signs of it when you get a check up. Usually a good checkup and bloodwork etc. with x-rays or ct scans etc. from time to time will suffice.

No one knows for sure what causes cancer. You have to look at people and their lifestyles too...ie did anyone work in mines, near radiation, pesticides, smoke, get serious viruses...some believe some cancers are caused by certain viruses...and maybe even certain bacterias like H-pylori. Polyps can turn cancerous. There's a lot we know and can do to prevent it or at least detect it early and nip it in the bud...not much else we can do.

Answer 2

There are some genetic syndromes that are associated with increased risk of certain cancers (usually they are syndromes that cause gastrointestinal cancers and breast, prostate, and ovarian cancers). The ones you talk about are not usually associated with eachother, but there may be some sort of connection. There is also some thought that certain families just have "fragile DNA" that makes them more likely to get cancer of any type. I would suggest that you go see your doctor and tell him/her this history and try to make a family tree to decipher any possible connection. Good luck to you, and I am so sorry you have been through so much at such a young age.

Answer 3

I think there is a lose genetic link, but I am going to guess environment is a bigger player. A non-smoker can get cancer from 2nd hand smoke. If you have a lot of clothing dry cleaned, you are bringing carcinogens into the house everytime.

You can only be vigilant about your health and your environment.

Good Luck

Answer 4

From what I understand, the Human Genome Project found that, on average, we all carry eleven genes for cancer, and your job is to avoid the environmental triggers that activate them.

Feels like sitting on a time bomb, doesn't it.

I have had one already, awaiting another, I think breast, colon or thyroid are more likely for me at this point.

Answer 5

I just read somewhere that the incidence of cancer is only 16% genetically affected.
God Bless you and just know that the Bible teaches us that those who die have paid for their sins. Romans 6:23,"For the wages sin pays is death, but the gift God gives is everlasting life by Christ Jesus our Lord."
Therefore, your dead loved ones merely sleep until they will be resurrected because of Christ's ransom sacrifice.

Answer 6

i'm sorry for your losses. i would believe that sometimes it can be passed genetically because they ask me at my ob/gyn when i went for my prenatal visit if anyone in my family has cancer. i hope this helps you. hang in there.

Answer 7

It could be I got lukema and i got it from a genatic and im only 12

Answer 8

not really