Clinically, hereditary or familial cancers account for about 10% of all cancer patients
First of all, it is necessary to discuss “hereditary cancer” and “familial cancer” separately.
The American College of Clinical Oncology defines “hereditary cancer” as a pathogenic mutation in a single gene that leads to a high risk of cancer.
Although “familial cancer” is not clearly defined as hereditary cancer, it is known that it is not caused by a single gene mutation, but may be caused by the interaction of polygenic inheritance and acquired carcinogenic factors.
To put it simply, hereditary cancers may occur in a small number of people within three generations, and they are the same type of cancer. However, if there are multiple inherited genes in the family (there may be different types of cancer) and the acquired lifestyle habits are not good, the cancer family will be formed.
So, which cancers are at high genetic risk and must be paid attention to?
The most well-known are breast, ovarian, colorectal cancer; Thyroid cancer and gastric cancer, which have been increasing in recent years, have also been found to have a high genetic risk.
In addition, Japanese scholars also found that 35.8% of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the lung have a family history, and the family history of female patients with alveolar cell carcinoma is as high as 58.3%. This also echoes the previous mention, in addition to genetic inheritance, familial cancer will also interact with acquired factors.
Response and prevention – 10 years early awareness and regular testing principles
Many people use genetic testing to check their risk of cancer. However, even if you know that there is a high risk, it does not mean that cancer has developed in your body at the moment.
The correct concept is to arrange regular cancer tests for yourself to keep track of the situation.Cancer genetic testing can help determine which cancers are at the highest risk.
Regardless of whether it is a hereditary cancer or a familial cancer group, it is clinically recommended that the average family member start testing 10 years earlier. For example, if a family member develops breast cancer at the age of 40, it is recommended that a woman start arranging a breast examination at the age of 30.
How often should I schedule a test?
The government-subsidized cancer screening is basically once every 1 or 2 years, but if you are at high risk of hereditary cancer or familial cancer, it is recommended to have a systemic cancer test every six months, so that it is less likely to miss the golden opportunity for cancer treatment.
Cited Data :
- Scheuner MT, McNeel TS, Freedman AN. Population prevalence of familial cancer and common hereditary cancer syndromes. The 2005 California Health Interview Survey. Genet Med 2010; 12: 726-735.
- Schiffman JD. Hereditary cancer syndromes: if you look, you will find them. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 58: 5-6.
- Department of Genetic Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, “Hereditary Cancer” https://www.ntuh.gov.tw/gene/Fpage.action?muid=779&fid=591
- 2018.7.4。 Chen Yiyun. HEHO Health Network “Is Cancer Really Hereditary? Studies have shown that the genetic risk of these 5 cancers is really large https://heho.com.tw/archives/17168
