Does cancer run in the family?

[wilson83]

Hi All,

Like many people nowadays, many of my relatives have either lost their battle with cancer or are survivors. More recently my grandad died last Tuesday of cancer of the oesophagus and advanced stomach cancer, his funeral is on Friday. Although I am obviously greiving for him, I am terrified that I am going to have cancer at some point in my life. Its taking over my life, the thought of it makes me sick. I try and check my breasts on a regular basis, but I think I am doing it wrong. People say if you catch it earlier enough, your chances are better. How do you know what to look for with any type of cancer?? Is cancer heridiatry (sorry about the spelling)- Does it run in families? Any information would be appreciated. Thanks

[loopyc]

lots of people belive it is but i have taken the time to read up on cancer after losing my nan to it in march it is now thought that it is hereditary although some breast cancers may be, as cancer affects one in three of us it is likely more than one person in a family may suffer but is not hereditary.

i am very sorry about your loss its an awful illness, hope you are coping ok xx

[JustSia]

Depends on the type of cancer but yes it can be hereditary. The thing is don't worry. You can't possibly know what the future holds for you so no point of worrying about it.

Make an appointment with your nurse or GP and explain the situation. The nurse will show you exactly how to check your breasts and what to look out for. This will take time as you first have to get used to monthly changed in the tissue of your breast tissue. Also if the doctor finds it necessary he can reffer you to check whether you are carrying a cancer gene.

I am really sorry you have to go through all this. God knows I've been there. Go to the docs and again don't worry.

All the best.

S.

[JustSia]

You have to excuse my mistakes and repeats am slowly going mad in here.

[loopyc]

sorry i meant to put it is now thought NOT to be hereditory, sorry.

[joko]

some are some aren't - my dad had bowel cancer and i have been told to keep a specila eye out oin that area.

my friend mum had breast cancer and she has been warned to be especially aware.

if oyu are worried ask your doc for tests to put your mind at ease and do some research of symptoms.

do be afraid of approaching your doc - that is what they are for.

[wilson83]

Thanks guys. Whats involved with the gene test and what does it mean? I feel stupid going to the doctor and saying "I think I might get cancer"? It just seems like because all my family have had it, I am next in line.

[loopyc]

dont feel silly i went to my doctor and told him cancer ran in my family i like you thought i would be next, but my doctot was great and helped put my mind at ease x

[JustSia]

Don't be silly. Just think about it, would you rather suffer a few moments of initial embarrassment or try and explain to your doctor afterwards why you were so embarrassed in the first place only then it'd be too late.

It needs to be done, simple as that. The nurse is trained to teach you the techniques and she would also be able to advice you on other stuff. When you register with a GP they usually take your family history so there is no big deal in bringing it up again just so they know you are concerned.

...

[JustSia]

As for the gene testing, it is a last resort, I only mentioned so you know you have that option. It is usually carried out on people who have a specific type of cancer in their family. I can't possibly tell you what it entails but I would imagine it is just a simple blood test.

You also have to understand that this test does not tell you you will get cancer it only tells you the probability of you getting it. It is very complicated and I am not in a position to give that advice. So please, please, please speak to your doctor. Let us know what he/she says after. But at least it'd put your mind at ease.

Be strong. Take charge. Don't let that worry ruin your life.

All the best. S.

[shopper]

I have had breast cancer, the hospital asked about my family history as a lot of them also had different types of cancer. Most were discounted. eg. my father had lung cancer( but had been a heavy smoker)because my mother and her sister had breast cancer, I was refered to a family history clinic and they took a blood sample from me. This was about 5 years ago, and I have just learned I have the hereditry gene BCRA2. it took so long because they have to examine every strand of DNA to find it. My daughter has a 50% of also having the gene. She has had the blood test and and 4 weeks later was told she is clear and does not have the gene. The result was quick because they now know where to look on the DNA for the gene. Most cancers not hereditry, so dont worry. It is now 11yrs since I was diagnosed with cancer, and it wasn't found in the early stages either, but i'm still here and healthy, and I know of lots of other women who are too. New drugs are being discovered all the time. Checking your breasts for lumps or changes is something all women should do, but dont get paranoid about it, as most breast tissue can feel lumpy. It's what is normal for your body that matters. Go to your doctor if uncertain and explain your feelings. He may be able to put you in touch with someone to talk to. Your grandad dying has made you feel a lot more vunrable. I hope you feel better soon, but please talk to someone, it does help.