cancer gene ?

Answer 1

Although I am not sure what you are asking about, I have to respond because I need to object to what was said above by "osang828".

Although not all cancer is hereditary (in fact the majority is not - there are plenty of sporadic cases of cancer), HEREDITY ABSOLUTELY DOES CAUSE CANCER!

You absolutely CANNOT say, "If you are asking if cancer is hereditary, the answer is no." That statement (osang828!) is false. Many cancers ARE hereditary.

Cancers in different organs and tissues have very different genetic bases, but all cancers are processes that involve genetic changes or mutations. In general, there are multiple mutations that must occur for tissue to become cancer, and there are a number of cancers where we actually understand which order those mutations typically occur in. Therefore, it stands to reason that if one or more of these mutations manages to occur in germ cells, and then gets passed on, every subsequent recipient of this mutant gene collection will be primed for the associated cancer! This can and DOES happen. The following is a short list just off the top of my head, of hereditary cancer syndromes which involve SPECIFIC CANCERS that are due to inhereted genetic mutations.

1) Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia: there are several types, MEN-1, MEN-2a and MEN-2b. MEN-1 involves pancreatic endocrine tumors, parathyroid hyperplasia and pituitary adenomas. MEN-2 centers on medullary thyroid cancer while the a and b variants have different other associated lesions.

2) BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 gene mutations leading to breast cancer. Up to 5% of breast cancer cases involve clear family cancer syndrome evidence. Inheretance of the BRCA mutations can lead to a risk of cancer exceeding 85%, enough that many women choose to have their breasts removed before they even have a cancer diagnosis!

3) Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) is a syndrome that leads to colon cancer.

4) Hereditary Non-Polyposis Colon Cancer (HNPCC), also a family inhereted colon cancer sydnrome.

5) Hereditary pancreatic cancer.

6) Hereditary melanoma.

This is just off the top of my head!

The other thing that I had to comment on is another misconception in osang828's comment. Having had a parent or blood relative with a cancer diagnosis in the past doesn't necessarily raise the concern of increased cancer risk in children or other relatives for that or any other cancer, unless there is evidence that this is related to a familial cancer syndrome! If your mother had skin cancer, that doesn't mean you are at increased risk of colon cancer, breast cancer or even the same skin cancer! ... UNLESS there is evidence of a family gene known to be cancer related. If so, genetic testing is appropriate.

I find it offensive when people try to give advice about things they have no knowledge of. If people want to make up lies about how to make cherry pie or how to tune their engine exhaust, thats fine. Don't do it about medical science. That's wrong. If you don't KNOW about what you're saying, then don't make things up. Stay silent.

Answer 2

Had an adopted child who died of Ewing's Sarcoma. At the time in the early 90's, was no genetic link to the cancer but I read in National Geographic a few years ago exactly where the gene is located that causes that specific cancer. Also the cure rate at that time was really low but when I read the article, the cure rate, because of new combinations of medicines was up to 50%. Even if the cancer is genetic, don't give up hope, new research is being done every day.

Answer 3

If you are asking if cancer is hereditary, the answer is no.
But the tendency to develop cancer actually runs through with familial history. Meaning if any family member either on your mother or father side has had cancer, you may have the possibility of developing cancer of any form.
Research says that they may have found the specific "cancer gene" and hopefully can develop a medicine / vaccine to fight it. I am hoping to see that in my lifetime too.

Decrease your risk in developing cancer :
Diet - eat fruits and vegetables, fish, chicken. Avoid excessive intake of beef.
Avoid excessive sun exposure. Use sunscreen SPF 40+.
Do not smoke. Avoid excessive exposure to chemical inhalants.
For females, breast self-exam for lumps / mass, get Pap's smear as recommended for age.
For males, get checked for prostate enlargement.

Significant signs / symptoms to watch for :
Unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, generalized fatigue.
Any presence of lumps / mass.
Unexplained headaches.
Changes in bowel habits.
Blood in sputum, stool or urine.
Presence of pain.