What are the chances of this?

Question

I am a 14 year old who was wondering how common it is for a person my age to get cancer. My grandfather had skin cancer, but he got it because he was outside a lot. In that side of the family, heart problems are common. On my mother's side, my great uncle died of lung cancer, but he smoked. Everyone on that side smoked, so I can't tell if lung cancer on that side is genetic. I exercise, eat a balanced diet, so what are my chances of getting any type of cancer?

Answer 1

Not many people your age get cancer. I wouldn't worry about it too much. Cancer is much more a disease of older people than children. Lung cancer and skin cancer tend to be environmental and lifestyle issues, rather than genetic. Take care of yourself as you are doing.

Risk factors are things that increase your chance of developing cancer. Many risk factors are beyond your control, including age and family history. But, there are things you can do. The good news is that more than half of all cancers could be prevented by:

not using tobacco products
maintaining a healthy weight
eating nutritious foods
being physically active
and avoiding too much sun.

This link will give you more information about how to avoid the risk of cancer. Best of luck.

Answer 2

It is very uncommon for someone your age to get cancer. If cancer runs in your family you may be at higher risk when you get older for the heart disease.

Lung cancer is almost always related to smoking or second hand smoke so don't smoke or spend a lot of time around smokers. Skin cancer can be prevented by wearing sunscreen every time you go out in the sun.

Keep up the good work with the exercize and diet.

Answer 3

You may not get cancer at all. Your gradfather got skin cancer for a reason and so did your great uncle. If you make wise choices, like using suntan lotion, sunblock, and not smoking. Then you are reducing the risk for getting cancer. Cancer can be caused by many things around you. For example, grilled food is not THAT healthy to eat since it contains some cells that cause cancer. This does not mean you will get cancer when you eat it. Just watch what you eat and how much you eat. Becareful when you sniff in air too. Second hand smoke... No need to worry. Just have fun in your life.

Answer 4

You can go outside a lot, but chances are your grandfather didn't wear sunblock. If you don't care about getting a tan you can stay inside a whole lot or you can just simply put on a lot of sunblock. If your skin is like mine and you don't put on sunscreen for the long time you are outside, you will get sooo red all over. That's horrible for your skin and avoid that as much as possible.

I've heard that if your parents have had some type of cancer, the percentage is higher for their kids. But if it's on your mom's side, normally the female members of your family will get it. Just stay like you are and take my advice. If you exercise, eat a balanced diet, wear sunscreen, your chances are pretty much 0 of getting any cancer.

Answer 5

It sounds like all the cancers were due to behavior, not genetics. Don't worry. Why waist time worrying about cancer? If you get it, deal with it then. Remember, second hand smoke will give you cancer as well. Stay away from ANYONE who lights up no matter what and be good to your skin. Stay healthy and your chances are thre same as anyone else.

Answer 6

The type of cancers that someone your age would be likely to get are very different from the type of cancers that were found in your family. The "adult" cancers and the type of cancers that you, as a young adult, would be likely to get (leukemia, bone cancers) are not closely related to the cancers your adult relatives had. My inclination tells me that you have no greater of a chance of developing cancer at this age than any other person your age. Of course, I would avoid the habits your family had in order to help prevent cancer LATER in life.

Answer 7

Oh, I suppose there's a possibility that anyone could get cancer at any age. Usually it's later in life. But there's a possibility that you can die from all sorts of stuff. I wouldn't worry about it, because your mental state actually can affect you physical state. Worry can make you more susceptible to disease. Live your life in a sensible, balanced manner, get regular check-ups and enjoy. The world can be a wondrous place if you relax a little and appreciate it.

Answer 8

Cancer, like AIDS, is a disease that is only given to people who sin, or who are evil. Homosexuals, in particular, get AIDS... In fact, many believe that AIDS is here especially for them.

Yours sincerely
Your average, closed minded, uneducated idiot
15/6/1980

Answer 9

It's not very common, but is does happen. Enjoy a healthy lifestyle, and have regular check-ups with your doctor. If you have any symptoms that are suspicious, don't let them go, get them checked.

Answer 10

if you are that interested in Cancer read up on research and educated yourself. please do not panic, you are only 14. your chances of developing a psychological disorder about fear to become sick are alot higher than getting cancer.