Cancer Prevention Tips from the University of Iowa's
Cancer Information Service in the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center

Family History and Cancer

Peer Review Status: Internally Reviewed
First Published: December 2002
Last Revised: April 2003

The most common hereditary cancer syndromes are the breast and ovarian cancers associated with a gene called BRCA. Some colon cancers are a result of a gene for familial adenomatous polyposis (a condition where hundreds of colon polyps occur) or hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer that is associated with four genes. These conditions are suspected when multiple family members develop cancer, especially at a young age.

Cancer specialists will generally recommend genetic testing for cancer (a blood test) when a family history suggests a genetic mutation is responsible for the high risk. If individuals are found to have a gene that may increase risk, they can have more frequent checkups to detect cancer at an early, curable stage. In some types of cancer there are ways to intervene to prevent the disease.

Genetic abnormalities that make people susceptible to cancer are uncommon. Most people with a family history of cancer have a somewhat elevated risk but should not be alarmed. The best reaction is to be an active participant in preventing cancer by engaging in a healthy lifestyle and by having annual screenings according to your doctor's recommendation.

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See related Patient Topics Genes and Gene Therapy or Genetics/Birth Defects.

See related Provider Topics or Genetics/Birth Defects.

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