My mom recently died from lung cancer, and my granddad died thirteen years ago from prostate and bone cancer. Does this make my likelihood of getting cancer increase because of this, or is my risk about the same as someone who doesn't have any history of cancer in their family?
2007-02-27 14:31:12 · 8 answers · asked by jasonbondshow 2 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
Hi Jason. In the U.S. 50% of us will be diagnosed with cancer, and about 1 in 3 will die of cancer. So, odds are high for dying from cancer. You parents died from two very different types of cancer, neither of which has a high genetic propensity. You are not likely to be at any higher risk (genetically speaking) than the 'rest of us'.
Keep in mind, that researchers estimate that 1/3 of all cancers are the result of poor diets. Another 1/3 are the result of smoking. So, just avoiding smoking and eating healthy foods (and avoiding unhealthy foods) can have a huge impact on your cancer risks.
Note: in case your mother was not a smoker, 15% of lung cancers are NOT smoking related.
Best wishes and good luck.
2007-02-27 17:56:07 · answer #1 · answered by Doctor J 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You have a much greater risk of getting cancer because of your family history of it. I too have a huge family history of cancer so I am always wondering what type might hit me. I don't dwell on this but at the same time the thought does go through my head as I have my dad, cousin, an uncle, an aunt and a grandparent that have had cancer.
2007-02-27 22:35:43 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
You should be concerned, but not just for that reason. It is estimated that 1 in 4 people will get cancer. The fact that there's a family history increases your risk.
2007-02-27 22:45:00 · answer #3 · answered by Al 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Don't focus on it but DO go for a complete checkup especially the areas your family had
cancer. My Dad, 2 aunts, an uncle, my birth mother and I have all had cancer in one form or another. My Dad's and mine have been skin cancer. I've had the same treatment as my
Dad-burning but I also have had things cut out as well. The best of everything to you and
God bless you.
2007-02-27 22:43:11 · answer #4 · answered by Garnet 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Not everyone related to you will get cancer, but be on the safe side, and get checked often. Let the doctor know about your family history. If you see or feel anything unusual on your face or body get right to the doctor.
2007-02-27 22:38:04 · answer #5 · answered by Holiday Magic 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Some types of cancer are hereditary so make sure you let your family doctor know of this.
2007-02-27 22:36:50 · answer #6 · answered by Anita G 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Defiantly you have same genes. Do you all live in the same area? If so move away. An once of prevention is worth a ton of cure.
2007-02-27 23:04:26 · answer #7 · answered by stephenmwells 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
if your mom died your chances are high, just get a lung x ray every year and a check up to make sure you dont have it.
2007-02-27 22:34:50 · answer #8 · answered by oneandonlyness 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋