What Types Of Cancer Can Run In Families Because Of Genetics
Although cancer is common, only 5-10% of it is hereditary, meaning an individual has inherited an increased risk for cancer from one of their parents. This inherited risk for cancer is caused by a small change in a gene, which can be passed from one generation to the next in a family. When someone inherits this type of gene mutation from a parent, they have an increased risk to get a certain type of cancer. Some cancers that can be hereditary are:
- Pancreatic cancer
Family members share genes and may, therefore, share cancer gene mutations. Relatives with the same cancer gene mutation usually share an increased risk to get cancer. Sometimes, a single gene mutation that increases the risk for cancer can increase the risk for more than one type of cancer. An example is a mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. Mutations in these genes are associated with an increased risk for breast, ovarian, prostate and other cancers. Certain patterns of cancer can be signs of hereditary cancer in a family. Genetic experts are medical professionals trained to look for these signs and help you learn about your cancer risks. This may include talking about genetic testing and developing your best action plan to address your cancer risks. View More
Results Carry Significant Implications For Relatives Of Men With The Most Aggressive Forms Of Prostate Cancer
- Mutations in 16 different DNA damage repair genes have been identified as drivers of metastatic prostate cancer and other tumors, but are rare in the general population
- Approximately 12% of men with metastatic prostate cancer harbor inherited DDR mutations that likely caused their disease, even if they have no family history of prostate, breast, or ovarian cancer
- All men with metastatic prostate cancer are now encouraged to obtain genetic testing and if found to be positive, genetic counseling for their family
Santa Monica, CA, July 7, 2016 One in nine men with metastatic prostate cancer carry inherited mutations in DNA damage repair genes, reports a new study funded in part by the Prostate Cancer Foundation . These practice-changing findings suggest that all metastatic prostate cancer patients should undergo screening for DDR defects, and that families of men found to have these mutations seek genetic counseling.
These results were published on Wednesday, July 6, 2016 in the New England Journal of Medicine.
I think every man today with metastatic prostate cancer should have genetic testing, regardless of age or family history, said Peter Nelson, MD, of Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, and Professor of Medical Oncology at the University of Washington and the Genitourinary Oncology Clinical Research Director of the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. Nelson led the study on behalf of the PCF International Prostate Cancer Dream Team.
Who Needs A Prostatectomy
If you are diagnosed with prostate cancer, your biopsy specimen will be evaluated to determine the grade, stage, and other attributes of your disease all of which play a role in how aggressive the cancer may be, your prognosis, and the most appropriate course of action for treatment. While each case is unique and will be thoroughly assessed by Dr. Kasraeian, there are some general rules of thumb when it comes to determining which patients may benefit most from prostatectomy. It is widely accepted by most urologists that prostatectomy is the recommended treatment for patients who have:
- An aggressive form of prostate cancer that is likely to grow and/or cause them harm in their remaining lifetime
- A remaining life expectancy of at least ten years or more
- No significant health problems that would impact their life expectancy sooner than that
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Criteria For Genetic Counseling And Genetic Testing
As in other inherited cancer predisposing syndromes, genetic testing for PrCa risk assessment has major implications at both an individual and familial level, namely psychological and social, but also raises ethical, legal, and financial questions . It is therefore essential to evaluate, based on family history or specific clinical criteria, the cost-effectiveness and actionability of the genetic screening and to identify individuals/families at a high risk of PrCa development or disease progression, who would benefit the most. In fact, with emerging evidence sustaining the importance of the genetic landscape in clinical management of the disease, there has been an effort, in the last years, to establish guidelines for the genetic risk assessment of patients with PrCa. According to the updated version of the NCCN guidelines for PrCa , referral for genetic counseling and genetic testing should be considered for all PrCa patients with a family history of high-risk germline variants , or with an Ashkenazi Jewish heritage, because of the high prevalence of founder BRCA1/2 alterations. In addition, patients with a suspicious family history, defined by the NCCN guidelines as having a heavy family history of PrCa , or with three or more cancers on the same side of the family before the age of 50 years old, also meet the criteria for genetic counseling and genetic testing .
If Your Family Health History Of Breast Cancer Is Average Or Moderate Risk
Most women with a family health history of breast cancer dont need genetic counseling for breast and ovarian cancer. Most women have family health histories that mean they are at average risk. Some women with breast cancer in their families will have a moderate risk.
If your family health history of breast cancer is average or moderate risk, you probably wont need genetic counseling and testing for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. One exception is if you have a moderate risk family health history and Ashkenazi or Eastern European Jewish ancestry. BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations are more common in women of Ashkenazi or Eastern European Jewish ancestry. This means that women of Ashkenazi or Eastern European Jewish ancestry are more likely to have a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation than women of other ancestries with similar family health histories. Thus, a family health history that would be considered moderate risk for most women might be considered strong risk for you because of your Ashkenazi or Eastern European Jewish ancestry.
Even if your doctor doesnt recommend genetic testing and counseling, your family health history of breast cancer can affect when you start mammography screening. If you are a woman with a parent, sibling, or child with breast cancer, you are at higher risk for breast cancer. Based on current recommendationsexternal icon, you should consider talking to your doctor about starting mammography screening in your 40s.
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Rare Variants In Moderate
Moderate- to high-risk variants are responsible for more than a two-fold increased risk of PrCa in carriers compared to the general population . Though usually rare in most populations , these variants may present a higher prevalence in isolated or more consanguineous populations, due to founder effects . To date, a considerable number of studies have examined the genetic landscape of inherited PrCa. The genes more consistently recognized to affect PrCa susceptibility, thus recommended for genetic testing by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines for PrCa, are summarized in Table 1, with the distribution of reported pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants illustrated in Figure 1. In addition, a few candidate genes that have also been proposed, though with less consistent findings, are also described.
What Should I Do If I Have A Genetic Mutation
Having a genetic mutation does not mean you will get cancer. You can do things to lower or manage your cancer risk. Talk to your doctor about
- Tests. You may need to start getting screening tests earlier and get tested more often, or with different tests than other people.
- Medicine or surgery that could lower your cancer risk.
- Making healthy choices like quitting smoking, not drinking alcohol, exercising regularly, and keeping a healthy weight.
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What Are The Estimated Cancer Risks Associated With Familial Melanoma
A person with a hereditary risk of melanoma has a greatly increased risk of developing melanoma during his or her lifetime.
There is also an increased risk of pancreatic cancer in families with familial melanoma and CDKN2A mutations, but this is relatively rare. Brain tumors have also been reported in a few families. In people with XP, there is also an increased risk of other skin cancers, such as squamous and basal cell carcinomas. In people with the BRCA2 mutation, there is also an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer in women, prostate cancer in men, and pancreatic cancer in both men and women.
Who Should Choose Active Surveillance For Prostate Cancer
When detected early, prostate cancer is considered one of the most treatable forms of disease. Additionally, some forms of prostate cancer are relatively slow-growing and are not likely to impact a mans life expectancy in certain cases. For men with low-stage, low-grade disease, men who have a remaining life expectancy of less than ten years, and/or men who have significant health problems or are not candidates for surgery, active surveillance may be recommended as a prostate cancer management tool. With active surveillance, patients typically have regular PSAs and digital rectal exams to monitor the potential progression of their disease and determine if and when intervention may be warranted.
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What Are The Symptoms
The prostate enlarges as men get older, and most men have some symptoms affecting urination. This very common condition, known as BPH is not cancer. However, many of the symptoms of prostate cancer are similar to those of BPH. These include:
- having to rush to the toilet to pass urine
- passing urine more often and/or at night
- difficulty starting the flow of urine
- starting and stopping whilst passing urine
- discomfort whilst passing urine
- a feeling of not having emptied the bladder fully
- dribbling of urine
- pain in the back, hips or pelvis.
However, all of these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions such as benign prostate enlargement. Men with any of these symptoms should consult their doctor.
About The Prostate Cancer Foundation
The Prostate Cancer Foundation is the worlds leading philanthropic organization funding and accelerating prostate cancer research. Founded in 1993, PCF has raised more than $660 million and provided funding to more than 2,000 research programs at more than 200 cancer centers and universities. The PCF global research enterprise now extends to 19 countries. PCF advocates for greater awareness of prostate cancer and more efficient investment of governmental research funds for transformational cancer research. Its efforts have helped produce a 20-fold increase in government funding for prostate cancer. For more information, visit www.pcf.org. Connect with PCF: | |
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No Cancer Skeletons In The Closet
How well did you do on this quiz? The purpose of this blogis to emphasize the importance of communicating your health history with yoursiblings and children. It is also important to gain information based on yourfamily tree. How much do you know about your ancestors health history, and thehealth history in your spouse or partners ancestry? One of the most preciouslegacies you can give your children is knowledge that will empower them to makeinformed lifestyle and healthcare decisions. Many daily choices can helpprevent cancer. Educating yourself and your family can boost motivation to formwise habits such as eating heart healthy foods , embracing regular vigorous exercise,avoiding smoking, moderate alcohol use, and good stress management.
There was a time in the not so distant past when cancer wasa hush-hush secret, not to be talked about in families. Even now, many culturesdiscourage knowledge about the body as being private or intimate. On the otherhand, prostate cancer and all cancers can create skeletons literally in thefamily closet. Therefore, its essential to get the word out to family members.
Of course, its equally important to be sensitive to howmuch and in what way you convey the information. If you are personallyuncomfortable with the idea of sharing information about cancer in the family,there are many good books and online articles about how to talk about thisimportant topic with family members.
Do I Have A Higher Risk Of Getting Cancer
If you have a family history of breast, ovarian, uterine, or colorectal cancer, you may have a higher risk for developing these cancers.
Tell your doctor if
- A relative was diagnosed before age 50 with uterine, breast, or colorectal cancer.
- Two or more relatives on the same side of the family were diagnosed with uterine, breast, or colorectal cancer.
- A female relative was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
- A male relative was diagnosed with breast cancer.
- You have an Eastern European or Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry.
Telling your doctor about your family health history is the first step to find out if you may have a higher cancer risk. It could help you and your doctor decide what tests you need to screen for cancer, when to start, and how often to be tested. Knowing your family health history also helps you and your doctor decide if genetic counseling or testing may be right for you.
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Does Cancer Run In Families
Some inherited mutations make a person more likely to develop certain types of cancer. This means a gene mutation that is linked to cancer may run in a family.
If you inherit a gene mutation like this from one of your parents , it does not mean you have cancer. More damage still needs to happen before a cancer can develop. The inherited gene mutation may allow this damage to build up faster.
You might hear different names for the inherited mutations that make cancer more likely. These include:
- inherited cancer genes
If a family is affected by a gene mutation, there may be a pattern of cancers diagnosed in that family. For example, there may be:
- several people who have the same types of cancer
- people who were younger than usual when they were diagnosed.
- someone who has had more than one primary cancer. This means they have had cancer twice, not that one cancer has spread to another part of the body.
- a family history of certain cancers and the family is from an Eastern European or Ashkenazi Jewish background. Some inherited cancer genes are more common in these ethnic groups.
What Information Do I Need
Gather information about yourself and your relatives who are related to you by blood, including
- Parents and grandparents.
- Who had cancer and what specific kinds did they have?
- How old were they when they were diagnosed with cancer?
- Are they still living? If not, at what age did they die and what caused their death?
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Multidisciplinary Care Is Key
For people diagnosed with primary brain tumors, its crucial to come to a comprehensive cancer center, such as Roswell Park, says Fenstermaker. Our experts who deal regularly with brain tumors that other hospitals see once every few years. Dr. Fenstermaker also notes that having a team of brain tumor experts under one roof makes it possible to develop a personalized treatment for every patient using the most advanced technology to yield the best results.
Believe it or not, not all tumors have to be treated, Fenstermaker explains. If it is known which genetic disorder runs in a family, early MRIs may give us a good idea of the approach to take. If a tumor is found, regular scans help determine whether it is actually growing or not. Active surveillance monitoring the tumor closely but not treating it unless it begins to cause problems may be the best plan for some patients, so that treatment can be focused on only those tumors that pose a threat.
How Is Familial Melanoma Susceptibility Inherited
Normally, every cell has 2 copies of each gene: 1 inherited from the mother and 1 inherited from the father. Familial melanoma susceptibility follows an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern, in which case a mutation happens in only 1 copy of the gene. This means that a parent with a gene mutation may pass along a copy of their normal gene or a copy of the gene with the mutation. Therefore, a child who has a parent with a mutation has a 50% chance of inheriting that mutation. A brother, sister, or parent of a person who has a mutation also has a 50% chance of having the same mutation. However, if the parents test negative for the mutation , the risk to the siblings significantly decreases but does not go back to population risk their risk may still be higher than an average risk.
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Breast Cancer Screening For Women With A Strong Family History Of Breast Or Ovarian Cancer
There are special breast cancer screening guidelines for women with a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer.
If you have a greater than 20 percent lifetime risk of breast cancer based mainly on your family history of breast or ovarian cancer, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommends you get a :
- Clinical breast exam every 6-12 months, but not before age 21
- Mammogram every year, starting at age 40 or starting 10 years younger than the youngest breast cancer case in your family
- Breast MRI every year, starting at age 40 or starting 10 years younger than the youngest breast cancer case in your family
Learn more about breast cancer screening recommendations for women at higher risk.
If My Dad Had Prostate Cancer Will I Get It Too
Both familiar and hereditary prostate cancers are associated with a family history of prostate cancer, but these two forms of the disease make up only about 25% of the total prostate cancer cases diagnosed each year. It is important for men to understand, however, that having a strong family history of prostate cancer does, in fact, increase their chance of developing prostate cancer by as much as 200 300%. In particular, men with three or more relatives on the same side of the family, as well as men with a first-degree relative who has or had prostate cancer, are at increased risk of developing prostate cancer.
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