What Makes Cancer Hereditary?
Certain types of cancer can be hereditary, meaning it can run in families due to genetic mutations passed from generation to generation. Such kinds of cancers occur due to inherited genetic mutations.
Genetic mutations can influence hereditary cancers. When this genetic makeup passes down to the offspring, it potentiates the risk of developing certain types of cancers.
However, not all kinds of cancers are necessarily hereditary. The reason for its occurrence varies. This blog aims to explain the concept of hereditary cancer and the role of genetic testing in it.
How Is Cancer Hereditary?
Cancer is a complex condition influenced by a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Generally, in most cases, cancer occurs sporadically.
Hereditary genetic mutations can contribute to certain types of cancers in individuals and families. Such types of cancer arise due to genetic mutations and the passing down of genes from parents to their offspring.
Gene mutations are present in the germline DNA, which can significantly enhance the risk of developing certain types of cancer. As the offspring inherits this gene makeup, the mutations are present in every cell of the body.
What Cancer Is Hereditary?
Some types of cancer that happen due to hereditary reasons are as follows:
- Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome (HBOC): This type of genetic condition predisposes an individual to the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers.
HBOC syndrome is primarily associated with mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. However, other genetic mutations can also lead to this condition.
Getting informed about HBOC is essential for early detection, prevention, and management of cancer risks. - Lynch Syndrome: Also known as Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer (HNPCC), potentiates an individual’s risk of certain types of cancers.
They include endometrial and colorectal cancer and cancers related to the ovaries, small intestine, stomach, urinary tract, brain, and skin. - Li-Fraumeni syndrome: It is a rare genetic condition characterized by a greater risk of developing various types of cancer at an early age. The condition occurs due to some alterations in the TP53 tumor suppressor gene.
The function of the TP53 gene is to regulate cell growth and prevent the formation of tumors. The mutations in this gene enhance the risk of cancers. - Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP): In this type of rare genetic disorder, numerous adenomatous polyps develop in the colon and rectum.
These adenomatous polyps are benign or noncancerous tumors that can become cancerous over time. - Retinoblastoma: This type of cancerous growth happens in the retina, which is a light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. The retina is responsible for vision.
Generally, this type of cancer mostly occurs among young children, typically before the age of five. The condition can affect one or both eyes.
Retinoblastoma is a result of mutations in the RB1 gene, which is a tumor suppressor gene. Since RB1 helps regulate cell growth and prevent the formation of tumors, mutations in this gene increase cancer risk.
When Is Cancer Hereditary?
Hereditary cancer arises when an individual inherits an altered gene that predisposes them to certain types of cancer. Such mutations are present in the germline.
These altered genes are present in every cell of the body, and they pass from one generation to the other. However, it is essential to understand that inheriting a genetic mutation linked with cancer does not necessarily lead to cancer.
Such individuals are highly likely to develop certain types of cancer at some point, but it is not necessary. Several factors related to the environment and genetics can also influence the development of cancer.
Which Cancer Is Hereditary?
Some types of cancers are specifically associated with heredity. Here are several types of hereditary cancers:
- Breast Cancer: Mutations or changes in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes significantly enhance the risk of developing breast, among others. Individuals inherit these gene mutations in an autosomal dominant pattern.
- Ovarian Cancer: Like breast cancer, alterations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes can also potentiate the risk of ovarian cancer.
- Colorectal Cancer: Lynch syndrome, also called hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), results because of mutations in genes like MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, and EPCAM.
Such mutations contribute to the risk of colorectal and other cancers. - Pancreatic Cancer: Changes in the makeup of genes such as BRCA2, PALB2, and STK11 can increase the risk of pancreatic cancer.
- Thyroid Cancer: Mutations in the RET genes can give rise to Hereditary medullary thyroid cancer.
- Melanoma: Inheriting mutations in CDKN2A (p16) and CDK4 genes can enhance an individual’s risk of developing melanoma.
Why Is Cancer Hereditary?
Certain types of cancer can be hereditary due to the inheritance of specific genetic alterations. These genetic changes predispose individuals to developing certain types of cancer.
Such genetic mutations play critical roles in cell growth, division, and repair. Gene mutations have a huge impact on the overall health of an individual and family.
Genetic Testing For Hereditary Cancer
Genetic testing for assessing hereditary cancer involves DNA analysis of an individual. It helps to identify the genetic predisposition of cancer in individuals and families.
Gene testing for cancer can provide valuable insights for individuals with a family history of cancer. These assessments enable them to make informed decisions about their health, reproductive decisions, preventive measures, and disease management.
Benefits Of Genetic Testing For Hereditary Cancer
- Risk Assessment: Genetic testing determines the individual’s likelihood of developing cancers due to heredity.
- Informed decision-making: The results of genetic assessments help make informed decisions and choices about disease management.
- Reproductive Decision-making: It helps in making choices and decisions related to reproduction to prevent the disease from passing to offspring.
- Target Therapy: These evaluations help strategize treatment and disease management effectively.
Conclusion
Genetic testing plays a crucial role in assessing hereditary cancer. It is a powerful tool that provides critical information for individuals with a family history of cancer.
Gene analysis facilitates proactive management of cancer risk through early detection and timely preventive measures.
Note that it is necessary to approach genetic testing with a comprehensive understanding of its benefits, limitations, and potential emotional impacts.