My grandmother died of cancer when she was 45 and my mom was diagnosed a year ago. I am concered that I may be diagnosed too. I know cancer runs in the family, but could I actually get it?
2006-12-17 05:57:06 · 22 answers · asked by Lillian M 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
Oh BTW I don't smoke or do any kind of drugs.
2006-12-17 06:01:36 · update #1
Anyone can get cancer. Dont dwell on it!! You gotta die of something.
2006-12-17 05:59:02 · answer #1 · answered by D.C 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't know if this helps or not, but I had cancer when I was 27. I had myself genetically tested because I was worried about my son, who was almost three at the time.
They told me I wasn't a carrier and then later I found a very small percentage of people that develop cancer are genetic carriers. Most people get it for no apparent genetic predisposition. Doctors had no explanation for me as to why I would have had breast cancer at such a young age, it was just something that happened. I also found out that 1 out of every three people get some type of cancer at some point during their lifetime, so it may not be an issue of heredity in your families unfortunate pattern of diagnosis. (I don't have anything to quote as a source for that, maybe the odds have changed, it's just something I remember hearing somewhere.)
But, have you considered genetic counseling? That may help alleviate your concerns.
I would like to tell you (even though it's not your question) that new therapies are really changing the course of cancer. I'm 33 now and I was stage three, which is pretty advanced. Cancer is no longer thought of in the same way, it is survivable for a lot of people.
Best wishes for you and your family. I hope your mother is doing well.
2006-12-17 14:08:24 · answer #2 · answered by temaleth 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You could get it, you can have a hereditary predisposition to certain types of cancer. For example breast cancer is known to run in families. Other cancers are known to be provoked to exposure to certain environmental substances (such as some blood cancers) so if you have been exposed to the same stuff as your mother and grandmother you stand a greater chance of contracting cancer. That said...you should not see this as a death sentence. You know that you may have a predisposition so you can get checked out frequently. The good thing is that, if caught early enough, many cancers are curable.
Good luck and don't worry.
2006-12-17 14:04:48 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am in the same situation as you. My mom died last year of cancer, and I am only 20 and I am worrying too. My mom was only 42 and so I went to the doctor's with my concerns. They say I am too young right now , but they start testing 10 years prior to the time the mother has it. So, if you go to the doctor's, they can start testing you yearly 10 years before your mother was diagnosed. Ex: they'll start testing me at 32. And the sooner they find it (if you were to have it) the better :-)
2006-12-18 14:02:11 · answer #4 · answered by It's a secret... 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We could all get it, along with a variety of other ailments. Don't spend your time worrying. Eat a healthy diet, exercise, and stay away from the bad stuff just like you're doing.
My Mother died of cancer at 49. I'm much older than that now, and have an older brother, neither of us have had cancer. Genetics is a component, but there are other factors that contribute as well. Dont spend your time worrying about it. "Worrying" itself is an unhealthy practice and can lead to problems all by itself.
Take care of yourself and enjoy your life.
2006-12-17 14:23:01 · answer #5 · answered by John W 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We all have a chance of getting cancer, but you didn't mention what type of cancer your grandma had or the type your mom has. Is it the same kind?...if so, you should probably see a doctor and do whatever you can to take precautions like eating healthy and proper vitamin and nutrition intake. All you can do is live a healthy lifestyle. I know it is hard, but try not to worry about it because stress lowers your immune system which makes us all more prone to diseases.
2006-12-17 14:01:47 · answer #6 · answered by Corona 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes you will some day die as all who are born into mortality will do. It is part of our eternal progress. As for cancer, it can run in families but that does not say you will get it. Eat healthy, exercise and stay away any substance that is known to harm the body (i.e. Smoking) eat meat sparingly, eat lots of fruit and vegetables and grains and you'll run and not be weary and walk and not faint.
2006-12-17 14:01:44 · answer #7 · answered by swomedicineman 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes you could. Cancer is a pretty common genetic trait although it does skip generations. The best thing you can do is live a healthy lifestyle and avoid certain triggers of the specific cancer you are weary of. You won't necessarily acquire it so just enjoy your life to the fullest.
2006-12-17 14:00:18 · answer #8 · answered by GAMEBREAKER 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Even w/o the family history you could still get cancer. It runs high in my fam, too, but I'm not worrying until that day comes. You shouldn't either. Keep your spirits up!
2006-12-17 13:59:16 · answer #9 · answered by Sandra 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cancer can run in a family and my own Doctor told me that.
2006-12-17 14:35:32 · answer #10 · answered by CT 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lillian only god knows your life plan. Of course you are at risk of getting cancer since it runs in families just do your best while you are here. Good luck to you.
2006-12-17 14:18:24 · answer #11 · answered by Alisha S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋