Inherited cancer?

Cancer is a progressive disease caused by the accumulation of mutations in cells. Often it has nothing to do with heredity and begins accidentally with a mutation in one cell.

Only 5-10% of cancer begins due to a mutation inherited from parents. Nevertheless, if there are repeated cases of cancer of the same localization within the same family, it makes sense to conduct genetic testing. Inherited cancers include breast, ovarian, prostate, pancreatic, colon, and uterine cancers.

MYTH: If the results of DNA analysis for mutations of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are negative, then there will never be cancer.

It is estimated that one in 500 people in the general population has mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene. Among the representatives of the Ashkenazi branch of Jews originating from Central and Eastern Europe, the mutation frequency is 1:40. It is known that a mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes is associated with breast and ovarian cancer, but its absence does not guarantee oncological health: there are many more mutations that cause hereditary forms of cancer.

MYTH: If DNA analysis revealed a dangerous mutation, a person will definitely have a tumor.

Most oncological diseases that develop as a result of hereditary mutations have varying degrees of risk, from medium to high. With the implementation of reasonable preventive measures, this risk can be reduced.

MYTH: A woman does not inherit mutations from her father.

Almost all mutations responsible for the development of cancer are not related to sex chromosomes, that is, they are inherited the same regardless of gender. For example, carriers of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation can be both men and women. But women in the presence of these mutations have a higher risk of cancer due to physiological characteristics.

MYTH: If the inherited cancer has already been detected, there is no point in conducting a DNA analysis.

Even if a patient has inherited mutations that have already led to the development of cancer, random mutations can still occur in him – the cause of 90% of non-hereditary cancers. Therefore, genetic testing is relevant for him as well. Moreover, currently there are treatments aimed at correcting mutations.

MYTH: Genetic testing costs a lot of money and only the rich can afford it.

It used to be that way. But today, in the conditions of rapid development of laboratory diagnostics and competition, prices have significantly decreased. For example, DNA analysis for the presence of mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes in one of the well-known private laboratories costs about 4,000 rubles. Comprehensive analysis for all oncological mutations – about 25,000 rubles.

When do I need a DNA test for oncological diseases?

• If the cancer is detected at a young age (up to 50 years).
• If three or more blood relatives have the same type of cancer.
• If someone from the family is sick with several types of cancer at the same time.
• If someone from the family suffers from rare cancers (for example, medullary thyroid cancer, paraganglioma, breast cancer in men).
• If someone from a family with colon cancer had more than 10 polyps.

Aminat Adzhieva, portal "Eternal Youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru based on NewsWise: Dispelling Myths about Inherited Cancer and Genetic Testing.