Introduction
Millions of people in the world today are diagnosed with the fatal health condition of cancer. Even the name today scares every one of us. One thing that you might be stressed about is, Is cancer genetic.?
To be honest with you, cancer is a very complex health condition. Just stating a direct yes or no cannot do complete justice. It is important for you to understand the important discernment into prevention, diagnosis, and treatment to understand the genetic factors involved in cancer.
Let Us Understand In Deep About, Is Cancer Genetic
Cancer can be genetic. There is not a direct yes or no, but a lot of other factors depend upon you or your other family member getting diagnosed with cancer. Some of the factors other than genes where the possibility of having cancer or not depends on are as follows –
- Environmental factor
- Lifestyle choices
- Infections
Genetics also plays an important role, variation in it whether inherited or acquired can lead to cell growth which is difficult to control.
There Are Two Main Types Of Genetic Mutations Involved In Cancer:
Inherited Mutations
As the name suggests, these genes are passed down from the parents to their offspring. They are already present in every cell of yours and hence increase the risk of getting diagnosed with cancer.
Acquired Mutations
This type of cancer is acquired due to other external factors such as
- Extreme consumption of tobacco
- Too much smoking
- Age
- Random errors in DNA
The only difference in both of these types of mutation is, that one is passed to your offspring the other is not.
Why Is Cancer Genetic?
The fundamental mechanism of cell growth and division can help you know the answer to why cancer is genetic. Your normal cell has a tightly regulated cycle of growth then division takes place and ultimately death. When genetic mutation happens in your cell, this cycle is disturbed.
Oncogenes get activated when your normal cycle is disturbed. Oncogenes are the genes responsible for developing cancer cells. When these cells are disturbed, they grow uncontrollably in your body resulting in cancerous tumors.
Key Genetic Factors In Cancer
- Oncogenes: Mutations in these genes can cause them to be overactive, leading to excessive cell proliferation.
- Tumor Suppressor Genes: Mutations in these genes can disable their function, removing the brakes on cell division.
- DNA Repair Genes: Mutations in these genes impair the cell’s ability to repair DNA damage, leading to further genetic instability and cancer progression.
When Is Cancer Genetic?
When the cancer is inherited from your gene mutation, it is considered genetic. 10% of cancers come from hereditary cases. Hereditary cancers come early in your life as compared to cancer through acquired mutation. Hereditary cancer can affect a lot of family members even after having a healthy lifestyle.
Which Cancer Is Genetic?
Many types of cancer have strong genetic links. Here are some of the most notable ones:
- Breast Cancer: When there are mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes the risk of breast and ovarian cancers increases significantly
- Colorectal Cancer: Lynch syndrome, caused by mutations in DNA mismatch repair genes, increases the risk of colorectal and other cancers.
- Ovarian Cancer: This cancer is the same as breast cancer, BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations also elevate the risk of ovarian cancer.
- Prostate Cancer: Certain inherited mutations, such as those in the HOXB13 gene, are linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer.
- Retinoblastoma: A rare childhood cancer of the eye, often caused by inherited mutations in the RB1 gene.
Which Breast Cancer Is Genetic?
Specific types of breast cancer are more likely to be linked to genetic factors. The most significant genetic risk factors for breast cancer are mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Women with these mutations have a significantly higher lifetime risk of developing breast cancer compared to the general population. Other genes, such as TP53, PTEN, and PALB2, are also associated with hereditary breast cancer.
What Is Cancer Genetic Testing?
Cancer Genetic Testing helps identify individuals at higher risk so they can take preventive measures or undergo more frequent screenings.
How Is Cancer Genetic Testing Done?
The process typically involves the following steps:
- Genetic Counseling: Before undergoing genetic testing, you can consult a genetic counselor to discuss your family history, the increased risks and benefits of testing, and what the results might mean.
- Sample Collection: A sample of your blood, saliva, or tissue is collected. This sample contains DNA that will be analyzed for genetic mutations.
- Laboratory Analysis: The collected DNA is examined in a laboratory. Technicians look for specific genetic mutations known to increase cancer risk.
- Results Interpretation: Once the analysis is complete, the results are reviewed by medical professionals.
Importance Of Cancer Genetic Testing
Cancer genetic testing can provide several benefits, some of them are as follow –
- Risk Assessment: When things are already known it becomes easier to evaluate the risks and take the necessary precautions.
- Customized Medicine: Cancer genetic testing helps in personalized treatment plans based on an individual’s genetic makeup.
- Family Planning: Provides important information to your family members who may also be at risk in the future
Conclusion
In the end, we can say that not all cancers are genetics, but you might be at a higher risk if you have a family history of any type of cancer. Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women and the one that can be treated from the roots if treatment is given at the right time.
Cancer is dangerous and the only solution the scientists have found to date is early detection. Chemotherapies do not guarantee that the cancer will not occur again in the future but can help the patient to increase the lifespan.
Genetic testing for cancer is a blessing for someone who has a family history as they can already be prepared and think about all the measures that can be taken to fight this demon of cancer. Do not delay the treatment.
