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Is cancer a Genetic Disorder?

Genes play an important part when it comes to cancer. If there is a mutation or variation in the genes, a person can get cancer. This can be due to hereditary causes and also due to exposure to carcinogens. Read on to know more.

Is Cancer a Genetic Disease?

Yes, cancer is a genetic disease. It is caused by changes in genes that control the way cells grow and multiply. While most genetic changes aren’t harmful on their own, an accumulation of genetic changes over many years can turn healthy cells into cancerous cells. The vast majority of cancers occur by chance as a result of this process over time.

Is Cancer Hereditary?

Up to 10% of most cancers are hereditary and may be caused by inherited genetic changes. Genetic changes can be inherited from one parent and found in all cells in the body. Inheriting a cancer-related genetic change doesn’t mean you will definitely get cancer. It means that your risk of getting cancer is increased. This risk can be reduced by routine medical check-ups and surgery where applicable.

What is Family Cancer Syndrome?

A family cancer syndrome, also called a hereditary cancer syndrome, is a rare disorder in which family members have a higher-than-average risk of developing a certain type or types of cancer. Family cancer syndromes are caused by inherited genetic variants in certain cancer-related genes.

Who should get tested for Hereditary Cancer?

• People who have relatives diagnosed with cancer at a young age <50 years.

• Strong family history of the same or multiple different cancer types.

• If you have been diagnosed with cancer and would like to know if there is a genetic cause.

Should I get genetic testing for Cancer Risk?

Certain genetic tests can show if you’ve inherited a genetic change that increases your risk of cancer. Not everyone needs to get genetic testing for cancer risk. Your doctor or health care provider can help you decide if you should get tested for genetic changes that increase cancer risk based on certain patterns in your personal or family medical history.

How do genetic changes Cause Cancer?

Genetic changes can lead to cancer if they alter the way your cells grow and spread. Most cancer-causing DNA changes occur in genes, which are sections of DNA that carry the instructions to make proteins or specialized RNA such as microRNA. People who have inherited a cancer-related genetic change need fewer additional changes to develop cancer. However, they may never develop these changes or get cancer.

Conclusion

Is cancer hereditary? Yes, it may be, but that is not the only reason that causes cancer. The risk of developing cancer can be reduced by routine medical check-ups and surgery where applicable.

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Source: Healthline, VeryWellHealth, Medicover-genetics

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or in any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Kindly contact your Doctor before starting a new medicine or health regime.

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Published on March 14, 2023