In this article, we will discuss the relationship between genetics and hereditary cancer. Between 5 and 101% of all cancer cases are linked to inherited genetic alterations, meaning they are passed down from generation to generation. Having an inherited genetic change does not always mean that one is irrevocably destined to develop cancer, but rather that there is a higher risk of developing certain types of cancer. New genes that determine hereditary predisposition to different types of cancer are being identified with increasing clarity.
Hereditary cancer occurs when a genetic change that increases the risk of cancer is passed from parents to children. Being born with this change means a person has a higher likelihood of developing specific types of cancer, and these cancers may occur at a younger age than in people without the change. It is now recommended to study a greater number of genes using more efficient sequencing of multigene panels.
Some cancers have specific characteristics that suggest a risk may have been inherited from a parent, even when there is no significant family history of cancer.
- Breast cancer which is described as “triple negative” (negative results when the presence of certain proteins in the tumor tissue is analyzed in the biopsy analysis).
- Ovarian cancer which is described as high-grade serous (this includes similar cancer in the fallopian tubes or peritoneum).
- Colon or uterine cancer (endometrium) which is described by the absence of some proteins when tests are performed on the tumor.
Some people who undergo a colonoscopy have more polyps than expected, or unusual polyps, which may also suggest a risk of hereditary cancer.
The main objective of genetic diagnosis of a predisposition to hereditary cancer is the intervention and monitoring of the affected patient and their family with the aim of reducing mortality caused by cancer.
Genetic testing for cancer provides guidance for decision-making. The goal of hereditary cancer predisposition testing is to recommend follow-up and prevention measures tailored to the identified risk and to inform individuals and their families to discuss different preventive measures, ranging from strict regular monitoring to, in some cases, even recommending preventive surgery (e.g., preventive mastectomy, colon resection, removal of ovaries and fallopian tubes, etc.).
A person should consider genetic testing for hereditary cancer if:
- You have several first-degree relatives (mother, father, siblings, children) with cancer.
- Many relatives on one side of his family have had the same type of cancer.
- If you know that a certain type of cancer in your family is related to a genetic alteration.
- A family member has more than one type of cancer or bilateral cancers, for example in both breasts.
- A family member has had cancer at a younger age than normal for that type of cancer.
- A family member has a rare cancer, such as breast cancer in a man or retinoblastoma (a type of eye cancer).
- A physical finding related to hereditary cancer (such as having many polyps in the colon).
- One or more family members have already undergone genetic testing that found a genetic alteration.
If you are concerned about cancer in your family, talk to your doctor. Bring any information you have about relatives who have had cancer. Also, talk to your family members to find out if any of them have already started cancer treatment. Reviewing this information can help you and your doctor decide if genetic testing is necessary.
At Zogen we have a team of expert oncologists and medical geneticists who could guide you. Contact us.
Source: https://www.veritasint.com/blog/en/genetics-of-hereditary-cancer/
