Comprehensive Cancer shares how family histories secured through genetic counsel are critical screening tools for those with elevated risks.
Comprehensive Cancer Centers recognizes that a family history of cancer can increase an individual’s risk. Understanding your family history and your own genetics is essential, as it helps determine appropriate screening schedules. Those with a higher risk may benefit from earlier and more frequent screenings compared to individuals without a family history of cancer.
Comprehensive offers genetic counseling to help individuals better understand their cancer risks based on inherited genes. This service provides patients with a thorough risk assessment for developing cancer in the future. Genetic counseling also helps individuals make informed decisions about which genetic tests may be appropriate based on their family history. If a risk assessment indicates a predisposition to a specific type of cancer, the practice’s Advanced Practice Providers and master’s trained genetic counselor, who specialize in genetics, develop a personalized plan of action.
What are the genetic risks associated with cancer all about?
While the majority of cancer cases are attributed to a complex interplay of environmental factors, lifestyle choices, and random genetic mutations acquired over a lifetime, a significant proportion, estimated to be between 5-10%, can be attributed to hereditary factors. This means that an increased predisposition to developing certain types of cancer can be passed down from parents to their children through inherited genetic mutations.
Understanding the intricacies of hereditary cancer risks is crucial for individuals and families to make informed decisions about prevention, screening, and management. Comprehensive will delve into the complex landscape of hereditary cancer, exploring the genetics, common hereditary cancer syndromes, risk assessment, and the implications for individuals and families.
The Basis Genetics and Hereditary Cancers
Our bodies are made up of trillions of cells, each containing DNA, the genetic blueprint that dictates cellular function and growth. Cancer arises when errors or mutations occur in this DNA, disrupting the normal control mechanisms that regulate cell division. While most of these mutations are acquired throughout life due to factors like exposure to carcinogens, radiation, or random errors in cell division, hereditary cancers originate from mutations that are present from birth, inherited from a parent who carries the altered gene. These inherited mutations can significantly increase an individual’s risk of developing specific types of cancer.
These mutations often occur in genes known as tumor suppressor genes or oncogenes. Tumor suppressor genes normally regulate cell growth and division, acting as brakes on uncontrolled proliferation. When these genes are mutated, they can lose their function, allowing cells to grow unchecked. Oncogenes, on the other hand, are genes that promote cell growth. Mutations in oncogenes can lead to their overactivation, accelerating cell division and increasing cancer risk.
It’s important to understand that inheriting a cancer-related gene mutation does not guarantee that an individual will develop cancer. It simply means they have an increased risk compared to the general population. The development of cancer is a complex process that often involves multiple factors, including other genetic changes, environmental exposures, and lifestyle influences.
Common Hereditary Cancer Syndromes
Several hereditary cancer syndromes have been identified, each associated with specific genetics mutations and increased risks for particular types of cancer. Some of the most well-known syndromes include:
- Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) Syndrome: This syndrome is primarily associated with mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Women with these mutations have a significantly increased risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer, as well as a higher risk for other cancers like melanoma and pancreatic cancer. Men with BRCA mutations also have an increased risk of breast cancer and other cancers.
- Lynch Syndrome: This syndrome is caused by mutations in several genes involved in DNA repair, including MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2. Individuals with Lynch syndrome have an increased risk of colorectal cancer, endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, and other cancers of the digestive and urinary tract.
- Li-Fraumeni Syndrome: This rare syndrome is associated with mutations in the TP53 gene, a critical tumor suppressor gene. Individuals with Li-Fraumeni syndrome have a significantly increased risk of developing a wide range of cancers, often at a young age, including breast cancer, sarcomas, brain tumors, and leukemia.
- Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP): This syndrome is caused by mutations in the APC gene and is characterized by the development of numerous polyps in the colon. These polyps have a high risk of progressing to colorectal cancer if not detected and treated. Individuals with FAP also have an increased risk of other cancers, such as stomach, small intestine, and thyroid cancer.
- Cowden Syndrome: This syndrome is associated with mutations in the PTEN gene and is characterized by the development of hamartomas (benign growths) in various tissues. Individuals with Cowden syndrome have an increased risk of breast, thyroid, and endometrial cancer, as well as other cancers and non-cancerous conditions.
These are just a few examples of the many hereditary cancer syndromes that have been identified. Each syndrome has its own unique set of cancer risks and associated features.
Assessing Genetics and Cancer Risks
Determining whether an individual has an increased risk of hereditary cancer involves a careful assessment of their family history and, in some cases, genetic testing, which is done by the Genetic Counseling team at Comprehensive. A detailed family history should include information about cancer diagnoses in close relatives, their ages at diagnosis, and any known genetic mutations in the family.
Several red flags in a family history may suggest an increased risk of hereditary cancer:
- Cancer diagnosed at a young age: Cancer occurring in multiple family members before the age of 50 can be a sign of a hereditary predisposition.
- Multiple family members with the same type of cancer: A pattern of the same or related cancers in close relatives across generations can suggest an inherited genetic mutation.
- Multiple primary cancers in one individual: An individual diagnosed with more than one type of cancer may have a hereditary cancer syndrome.
- Rare cancers: Certain rare cancers, such as some types of sarcoma or childhood cancers, can be associated with hereditary cancer syndromes.
- Known genetic mutation in the family: If a family member has been identified to carry a cancer-related gene mutation, other family members may also be at risk.
If a family history suggests an increased risk of hereditary cancer, genetic counseling and testing may be recommended by your primary physicians. Genetic counselors are healthcare professionals who specialize in assessing cancer risk and interpreting genetic test results. They can help individuals understand their risk, discuss the benefits and limitations of genetic testing, and provide support and guidance throughout the process.
Implications for Individuals and Families
Knowing that you have an increased risk of hereditary cancer can be empowering, allowing you to take proactive steps to manage your health. Depending on the specific syndrome and associated cancer risks, individuals may consider several options:
- Increased surveillance: Regular screening and early detection are crucial for individuals with hereditary cancer risks. This may involve more frequent mammograms, colonoscopies, or other screening tests, starting at an earlier age.
- Risk-reducing strategies: In some cases, individuals may consider risk-reducing strategies, such as prophylactic surgery (e.g., mastectomy or oophorectomy) or chemoprevention (medication to reduce cancer risk).
- Lifestyle modifications: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and engaging in regular physical activity, can help reduce overall cancer risk, even in individuals with hereditary predispositions.
- Family planning considerations: Individuals with hereditary cancer risks may consider discussing family planning options with a genetic counselor, including the possibility of genetic testing for their children and details about their genetics.
It’s important to remember that the decision to pursue any of these options to learn more about genetics is a personal one and should be made in consultation with healthcare professionals.
Hereditary cancer risks represent a significant aspect of cancer predisposition. Understanding the genetic basis of hereditary cancer, recognizing common syndromes, and assessing individual risk are crucial for effective prevention, early detection, and personalized management strategies. While inheriting a cancer-related gene mutation can be concerning, it’s important to remember that it does not necessarily mean an individual will develop cancer. By working closely with healthcare professionals, individuals, and families can make informed decisions about their health and take proactive steps to reduce their risk and improve their overall well-being.
Continued research into hereditary cancer syndromes and genetic testing will further enhance our understanding of cancer risk and lead to more effective prevention and treatment strategies in the future.
Comprehensive Cancer Centers Can Help
The medical team at Comprehensive Cancer Centers provide a variety of treatment options for patients at risk of developing cancers and other illnesses based on family history. To schedule an appointment with the team at Comprehensive, please call 702-952-3350.
The content in this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
