Try adjusting your type
14th October, 2009
European Survey on Standards of Care in paediatric oncology centres. J. R. Kowalczyk, M. Samardakiewicz, K. Pritchard-Jones, R. Ladenstein, S. Essiaf, E. Fitzgerald, G. Petrarulo, G. Vassal - EJC , Volume 61, pp 11-19
8th December, 2014
The purpose of this website is to provide good and clear information about the long-term effects of childhood cancer and to refer to the various late-effects outpatient clinics (LATER outpatient clinics) that exist in the Netherlands.
8th September, 2015
Cancer in young people is rare, but it is still a major health issue in Europe. Each year, more than 6,000 young people in Europe die of cancer. There are more than 300,000 European childhood cancer survivors (in 2020, they will be nearly half a million): two-thirds of them have some late side effects of treatment, that are severe and impact on the daily life of half of those affected.
Familial cancer refers to cancer that occurs significantly more frequently within a family compared to the general population, often due to a genetic predisposition. Despite sharing common environmental factors, these cancers primarily result from inherited gene mutations that are passed on from generation to generation, increasing susceptibility to specific cancer types.
Familial cancer, a term that may sound unfamiliar to some, is an important area of study in the medical field. This article seeks to demystify the concept of familial cancer, its implications, and how it features in the broader context of cancer as a whole.
Cancer is a general term for a broad group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. The body is constantly creating new cells to replace those that have died or become old. Sometimes, however, this process goes wrong and cells begin to grow out of control, creating a mass known as a tumor or cancerous growth.
There are over 100 types of cancer identified to date, categorized based on the organ or tissue where they originate. They include but are not limited to, breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer, skin cancer, and lymphoma.
Cancer can be caused by both genetic factors and environmental factors. This includes exposure to certain harmful chemicals and substances, lifestyle choices such as smoking, diet, and sun exposure, and certain types and amounts of infections and diseases.
Familial cancer refers to cases where a higher than expected number of cancer cases occur among family members. Some families have a genetic predisposition to specific types of cancer due to inherited gene mutations, which can significantly increase the risk of developing cancer.
A major difference between familial and sporadic cancer lies in their causes. While sporadic cancers occur due to gene mutations accumulated over a person’s lifetime, familial cancers result from a specific hereditary predisposition due to gene mutations that have been inherited from parents.
Both the incidence and mortality of familial cancers are significant. In the US, familial cancers account for approximately 5-10% of all cancer cases.
In familial cancer, specific mutations in certain genes are passed down through generations, increasing the likelihood of developing certain types of cancer. These mutations can be present in every cell of the body, and although they do not guarantee the development of cancer, they significantly elevate the risk.
There are several well-known familial cancer syndromes, such as Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer syndrome (associated with alterations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes), Lynch Syndrome (linked to increased risks of colorectal and other types of cancer), and Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (gene mutation leads to increased likelihood of colorectal cancer).
Genetic testing can identify inherited mutations and help assess a person’s risk of developing familial cancer. It involves blood or saliva tests to look for specific changes in genes, chromosomes, or proteins that indicate a genetic mutation linked to cancer.
Familial cancer is diagnosed using a combination of family history assessment, genetic testing, and targeted medical examinations when a particular familial cancer syndrome is suspected.
Screening for familial cancer depends on the specific syndrome and can include routine examinations, imaging studies, or molecular tests. For example, for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, mammography, or breast MRI may be recommended.
A diagnosis of familial cancer can exert a significant psychological impact, inducing anxiety about developing cancer or passing the mutation to children. However, counseling and familial cancer support groups can provide valuable emotional and psychological support.
The course of treatment depends on the type of cancer and individual case, but may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or a combination of these.
Preventive measures include behavior modifications and proactive medical interventions. Regular physical activity, a balanced diet, avoiding carcinogenic substances, and regular screenings can reduce the risk.
Living with a familial cancer diagnosis or predisposition can be challenging. However, counseling, support from loved ones, and stress management techniques can make managing this journey easier.
Understanding familial cancer is equally important as knowing sporadic cancer. It’s essential to remember that carrying a gene mutation that increases cancer risk doesn’t guarantee a cancer diagnosis. Early detection, proactive management, communication, and emotional support are key in managing familial cancer.
The article has addressed several questions on the role of genetics in familial cancer, common syndromes, genetic testing, treatment options, and the psychosocial impact of a familial cancer diagnosis. By bringing this knowledge into the light, we can work to demystify familial cancer and ultimately bolster the fight against this pervasive disease.
1. What is familial cancer, and how does it differ from sporadic or non-familial cancer?
Familial cancer refers to a situation in which certain types of cancer appear to run in families due to a shared genetic predisposition. Unlike sporadic or non-familial cancer, where the risk is primarily influenced by environmental factors and random genetic mutations, familial cancer indicates that there is an inherited genetic susceptibility within the family that increases the risk of developing specific cancers.
2. What are some common signs that a family may have a hereditary predisposition to cancer?
Common signs that a family may have a hereditary predisposition to cancer include:
These signs may indicate the presence of a hereditary cancer syndrome and warrant further genetic testing and evaluation.
3. What are hereditary cancer syndromes, and what are some well-known examples?
Hereditary cancer syndromes are genetic conditions that significantly increase an individual’s risk of developing specific types of cancer. Well-known examples of hereditary cancer syndromes include:
4. How is familial cancer diagnosed, and what steps should individuals with a family history of cancer take to assess their risk?
Familial cancer is typically diagnosed through a combination of family history assessment, genetic counseling, and genetic testing. Individuals with a family history of cancer should:
5. What are some preventive measures and risk-reduction strategies for individuals with a hereditary predisposition to cancer?
Preventive measures and risk-reduction strategies for individuals with a hereditary predisposition to cancer may include:
These strategies aim to detect cancer at an earlier, more treatable stage or reduce the risk of developing cancer altogether in high-risk individuals.
Share it
You might also like
Radical Remission: Surviving Cancer Against All Odds
Dr. Kelly A. Turner, founder of the Radical Remission Project, uncovers nine factors that can lead to a spontaneous remission from cancer—even after conventional medicine has failed.
The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom
In The Four Agreements, bestselling author don Miguel Ruiz reveals the source of self-limiting beliefs that rob us of joy and create needless suffering.
At its heart, Paulo Coelho's masterpiece unfolds the mystical journey of Santiago, an unassuming Andalusian shepherd boy whose heart brims with a longing for adventure and the pursuit of a treasure that exists far beyond the confines of the material world.
Mind Over Medicine: Scientific Proof That You Can Heal Yourself
New York Times bestseller and beloved guide, revised and updated with up-to-the minute scientific and spiritual insight, teaches readers how to listen to their bodies and assess all areas of their lives--relational, psychological, creative, environmental, professional--to understand what they need for health.
Surviving Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Hope, Treatment, and Recovery
After her diagnosis of hormone-negative breast cancer, health journalist Patricia Prijatel did what any reporter would do: start investigating the disease, how it occurs, how it's treated, and how to keep it from recurring.
Peace Is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life
World-renowned Zen master, esteemed peace activist, spiritual luminary, and prolific author Thich Nhat Hanh offers a profound guide on how to extract serenity from even the most seemingly vexing circumstances.
