does cancer run in families?

Question

my mum died of bowel cancer which had spread to her liver a year ago aged 50. i am only 20 now but was just wondering is it something i should be checked for regularly. thanks for any help x

Answer 1

Some cancers, including bowel/colon cancers, do have a genetic component. You should talk to your doctor about how frequently you should be screened for symptoms.

And I'm so very sorry about your mother.

Answer 2

Some cancers run in the families. Not all. Some are triggered when they are prone. Lung cancer is caused by chronic smoking and lung irritation and similarly it does not mean a non smoker is free from lung cancer, as they are exposed to passive smoking and atmospheric pollution. Similarly another induced cancer is in people exposed to radiation as in Xray technicians. An ill fitting denture sometimes induces a cancer gum, chewing tobacco a cancer of cheek, drinking too hot beverages may produce stomach cancer, hepatitis B virus infection to liver cancers etc.

Answer 3

There is definitely a familial trait involved with cancer. You need to talk to your Dr. about your moms cancer. You will be eligible for earlier colonoscopies.My mom came from a family of 12 kids....10 have died from some type of cancer. I am in a study due to this.
Avoid any unhealthy activities (smoking...over eating etc.)

Answer 4

Sorry to hear about your mother.

Having a family history of cancer doesn’t necessarily increase your risk of developing cancer yourself.

Cancer Research UK says bowel cancer can run in families - your family history increases your risk if a close relative (father, mother, brother, sister or child) developed bowel cancer before they were 45 years old; or two close relatives have had bowel cancer at any age


http://www.cancerhelp.org.uk/help/default.asp?page=20099

http://www.cancerhelp.org.uk/help/default.asp?page=26088

Talk to your doctor about any inherited risk and any checks you may need.

Btw someone mentioned breast cancer as an example of an inherited cancer; only 5-10% of breast cancer cases are due to hereditary factors.

Answer 5

This is like that commercial for the cholestrol medicine....it comes from steak and from Uncle Bernie!

Cancer is caused by many substances in our society, such as asbestos, tobacco, etc.

It is also related genetically. For example, breast cancer can be traced to maternal lineage (mom, mom's mom, her mom, and so on).

Since cancer (like cold) is a general term for multiple items, specific cancers are related to materials, and others to genetics.

As far as your situation, you may be young for routine colonoscopy, but talk to your physician during the next visit, and explain your concerns. Your physician is more familiar with your body and family history. He/she can make the recommedation to you about future preventative check ups and lifestyle.

Answer 6

some cancers do run in families,but a large majority of others do not.
for example colorectal carcinoma in males,breast/ovarian carcinoma in females etc have a strong tendency to occur in the off springs of affected individuals.
you have not specified which kind of carcinoma ur mother had..this is important since abdominal tumours/cancers can be of numerous types .(only some varieties run in families)
In your case you have to find out if any of your family members suffering from 'familial adenomatous polyposis coli syndrome'-this is a precancerous condition which is inherited.
if it is present then regular colonoscopys is advised, otherwise...
consult your doctor(why take a risk).

Answer 7

Yes, cancer can run in families. You need to be screened for cancer more frequently than others. Pay attention to anything that is different in your body. Don't ignore anything.

In my case NO ONE in my family had cancer, I just happened to be the lucky one!
Best wishes to you!

Answer 8

Yes, cancer can run in families. I've got to be careful, because the women in my family have gotten uterine or ovarian cancer.

Answer 9

It can run in families, though I understand it is a small percentage. A colonoscopy would note changes and if there were polyps they could cut them out.

Answer 10

Yes, it does. And yes, having a yearly check up will help alot. Just because your mum had it, does'nt mean you will.