Lybrate Logo
Get the App
For Doctors
Login/Sign-up
Last Updated: Oct 23, 2019
BookMark
Report

Is Cancer Inherited? Find Out!

Dr. GarimaGeneral Physician • 4 Years Exp.MNAMS (Membership of the National Academy) (Ophthalmology)
Topic Image

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:

  • Having 3 or more relatives on the same side of the family with the same or related forms of cancer

  • If any of your family members have had cancer at a younger age than what is expected for that particular type of cancer

  • 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.  
 

RELATED SPECIALITIES

chat_icon

Ask a free question

Get FREE multiple opinions from Doctors

posted anonymously

TOP HEALTH TIPS

doctor

Book appointment with top doctors for Cancer treatment

View fees, clinc timings and reviews
doctor

Treatment Enquiry

Get treatment cost, find best hospital/clinics and know other details