Is Cancer Inherited? Find Out!
You must have often heard that cancer runs in the families. By this, it means that the disease is carried on from one generation to another. Is that true? Well, it is not necessary that if anyone in your family has had cancer, so you will have it too.
In majority of cancer cases it has been seen that it originates from the combined effect of hereditary as well as external factors like your lifestyle choices, the environment you are residing in etc.
Cancer is not inherited
It is only the genetic defect that can lead to cancer that is inherited. Though cancer is not inherited, what you must know is that if you have had a family history of this disease then you certainly are at an increased risk of suffering from it.
Understanding the risk factors for hereditary cancer
The factors listed below could mean that you are at a greater risk of developing hereditary cancer:
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Having 3 or more relatives on the same side of the family with the same or related forms of cancer
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If any of your family members have had cancer at a younger age than what is expected for that particular type of cancer
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If a relative has 2 or more types of cancer
A medical test can help in diagnosing some acquired gene mutations. This type of test is known as cancer marker test. So, it is recommended to get yourself tested on periodic basics.