Hereditary cancers: the surprising truth and what to do about it

Your genes determine how your body develops and functions. When genetic mutations occur, the cells in your body can start to divide uncontrollably, which may then lead to cancer. While many gene mutations are caused by aging and exposure to carcinogens like cigarette smoke, some mutations are passed from parent to child.

Only five to 10 percent of cancer cases are inherited. Nevertheless, if you want to reduce your risk of contracting the disease, it’s important to know your family’s medical history as it pertains to cancer.

Some cancers that have been linked to inherited gene mutations include breast cancer, colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer and certain types of leukemia and lymphoma.

If you have family members who’ve had cancer, your doctor may recommend you undergo genetic testing. These tests analyze your DNA to determine if you have the associated gene mutation for the specific type of cancer that’s prevalent in your family.

It’s your right to decide whether or not to have genetic testing. For many people, genetic testing helps them get clarity, take action early and make good decisions about their health. Others prefer not to know if they’re predisposed to cancer.

If you test positive for a gene mutation linked to cancer, it doesn’t mean you’ll definitely get the disease. You can take steps to lower your risk, such as:

• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle by regularly exercising, eating a healthy diet and avoiding smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol
• Visiting your doctor regularly
• Starting cancer screenings at a younger age or having them more frequently
• Having preventive surgery (like a mastectomy if you have the BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation)
• Taking drugs that could lower your risk

If one or more of your family members has battled cancer, talk to your doctor about what you can do to reduce your own risk and whether or not genetic testing might be right for you.