what i know is that there are some people which cancer runs in their family with that one will believe it can be hereditary though not scientificlly proved.
2007-08-13 01:51:34 · 23 answers · asked by david akindayini 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
Cancer is "an uncontrollable growth of damaged cells". In essence, you body is producing more of that one type of cell than it needs for renewal or repair, and piling up the excess in one location.
The propensity to have this "glitch" is thought to be hereditary. But like anything else, having the hereditary propensity doesn't necessarily mean that you will get the condition. It needs to be "triggered" by other factors.
It is this "triggering effect" that researchers are following up on now in order to try to wipe cancer out. If they can figure out what it is that turns these cancerous cells on, they can then figure out how to turn them off. And once they can do that the next step would be an "immunization" that prevents these cells from EVER being turned on again.
2007-08-13 01:59:51 · answer #1 · answered by Susie Q 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
They say that some genes hereditary types can cause an increased risk of having a type of cancer. Example, if your mother or grandmother had breast cancer that would make you at a higher risk for cancer then someone who has had no cancer related problems. In a male might be an increased risk if Prostrate Cancer has occurred.
2007-08-13 08:56:37 · answer #2 · answered by jay_d_skinner 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe cancer can be hereditary; however, it may skip a generation. My grandmother did not have cancer, but both my mom and aunt each had a different form of cancer. My mom survived, but my aunt has been told there is nothing more the doctors can do. I have a deep faith in God and am believing that He will take care of me no matter what. I do my best to not worry about what tomorrow will bring. Today has enough worries of its own =)
2007-08-13 09:00:39 · answer #3 · answered by cat.tails 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi, I have just been diagnosed with Myeloma a blood cancer. No one in my family has had cancer. I have not smoked for over 30 years and do not drink alcohol. I am very slightly overweight. So if it is hereditary sadly for my kids I just started the line. I hope it is not and I am a bad apple. They will see but that's all I can say on it.
2007-08-13 17:09:55 · answer #4 · answered by deadly 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some cancers have been found to be genetically linked.
If you have the gene, then you are at higher risk of getting that cancer.
One form of breast cancer is genetically linked, if your mother had that form, you may have the gene which puts you at higher risk.
My whole family carries that gene, our mother died after her breast cancer spread. Her father also died of breast cancer.
I have 3 brothers and 3 sisters, from oldest to youngest we have had:
Female, uterine cancer, 12 years ago, not genetically linked, surviving.
Male, squamous cell cancer on tonsil, (ex-smoker) 2 years ago, not genetically linked, surviving
Female, no cancer as yet
Male, died in infancy (not cancer)
Male, no cancer as yet
Female, genetically linked breast cancer 14 years ago, surviving
Female (me), small cell carcinoma in breast, not genetically linked, 3 years ago, still here and smiling!
As you can see, genetics is not always a major risk factor!
2007-08-14 00:13:44 · answer #5 · answered by Tarkarri 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is now known that certain types of breast cancer are caused by a particular defective gene (they even know which one) and that if one or more parents have this gene the chances of passing it on to their children are quite great. My children, now all grown up are currently having tests to see if they have inherited this gene as my ex-husband,who is terminally ill, his mother, who died of cancer and myself have all had breast cancer. At the moment there not much can be done if they have inherited this except to have mammograms every year to catch any cancer early.
2007-08-14 09:40:55 · answer #6 · answered by blondie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can't catch breast cancer ( you can catch cervical cancer or some leukaemias which are viral in origin).
A single female family member with breast cancer does not give you an increased statistical risk of breast cancer, unless it developed at an early age. 2 or more close relatives with breast cancer may indicate an increased risk.
2007-08-13 18:35:29 · answer #7 · answered by Dr Frank 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Research has shown that if a family member has had cancer it increases your risk of contracting it. However, it is not a foregone conclusion and just because your mom had it doesn't mean you will.
My great aunt had breast cancer and had to have both breasts removed. One of her nieces, my cousin, was also diagnosed with breast cancer but hers went into remission after 8 1/2 months of chemo.
2007-08-13 09:02:07 · answer #8 · answered by Tamzi 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In expert opinion,predisposition to breast cancer does exist in "family" ie. a genetic weakness.An inspection of medical history of female blood relatives,both living and deceased could provide evidence of such a predisposition. I in no way
purport to be an expert,and my opinion is entirely amateur.
Perhaps some professional out there could throw further light on the subject.
2007-08-13 20:46:15 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Breast Cancer is very hereditary. If your mother has or had breast cancer, you need to be sure you have yourself checked out regularly
2007-08-13 08:55:56 · answer #10 · answered by MES 2 · 5⤊ 0⤋