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Cancer's connection to family history: Do you know your family's health?
In today's society, cancer has become an increasingly concerned health issue.Through the development of genetics, we have learned that certain cancers can be transmitted through family inheritance, which are called "hereditary cancer syndrome".These syndromes are more likely to develop cancer due to genetic mutations and often suffer from multiple independent primary tumors.
The hereditary cancer syndrome usually involves mutations in tumor suppressor genes whose function is to protect cells from becoming cancerous cells.
There are now more than 50 identifiable forms of hereditary cancer, and the impact of these cancer syndromes covers between 5% and 10% of total cancer cases.For example, hereditary breast-ovarian cancer syndrome and hereditary non-multiple colon cancer (Lynch syndrome) are two of the most well-known examples, both of which have a higher lifelong cancer risk.
Genetics of Genetic Cancer
In human cells, each gene has two copies, which we call alleles.Most cancer syndromes are inherited in Mendel's autosomal dominant way, meaning that only one defective allele is required to give an individual a tendency to develop cancer.This long-standing study reveals how mutations in certain genes in biology lead to cancer.
According to Knudson's two-strike theory, the first mutation is inherited, while the second mutation occurs acquired, explaining why the risk of cancer has increased significantly in some populations.
Therefore, understanding the family history is crucial to preventing and early detection of cancer.Those who have immediate family members who have had cancer or were diagnosed with cancer at a young age should consider having genetic screening to better understand the risks they face.
Cancer Syndrome Example
For example, Fanconi anemia is a disease with a wide range of clinical manifestations, including early cancer incidence, bone marrow failure and congenital abnormalities.In contrast, Family adenomatous polyposis (FAP) forms hundreds of benign adenomas in the large intestine, which may evolve into malignant cancer over time.
The hereditary breast-ovarian cancer syndrome is mainly caused by mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which significantly increases the risk of breast and ovarian cancer in women.
In addition, hereditary non-multiple colon cancer (Lynch syndrome) increases the risk of a variety of cancers by affecting DNA repair genes, including colon and endometrial cancer.This allows us to more effectively identify potential risk factors in the process of examining family health.
The significance of gene screening
Gene screening can help determine whether there are any genetic mutations, which in turn understands the individual's risk in cancer.If a negative result is found, the patient does not have to worry, but if the genetic test result is positive, targeted preventive measures must be taken.
To solve health problems, further preventive actions can include regular exercise, maintaining a healthy diet and regular health checkups.
Through the guidance and advice of medical professionals, understanding your family history can not only help individuals evaluate risks, but also establish good habits of early prevention.For example, regular breast screening for patients with hereditary breast cancer can make the cancer detected earlier, thereby increasing the success rate of treatment.
Conclusion
To summarize, understanding family health status cannot be overestimated in the early detection of cancer.Should we focus more on our family health history to reduce cancer risk and protect our next generation?
