Cancer runs in my family..am I at risk? - Cancer Message Board

poobah · 01-27-2005, 11:43 PM

Hello All,

Many people on my mothers side of the family have had cancer and passed away from it.

Maternal grandfather - throat cancer
His brother - emphysema
His older sister - (I think it was lung cancer)
His younger sister - lung cancer
All of them were smokers.
Also both of my grandfathers parents dies from cancer too. Not sure which one.

Recently my grandfathers cousin dies from throat cancer.

My maternal grandmother got breast cancer (but she beat it !!!)
Her daughter (my aunt) got cancer in the stomach which spread everywhere

What are my chances of developing cancer, if any?
I have never smoked a cigarette in my life.

shadowrose40 · 01-28-2005, 06:56 AM

HI

There are studies being done to look into the genetic component of cancer. It seems that some families are more prone to cancer.

For instance, if a sibling or parent has colon cancer, screening is advised for other siblings 10 years before the parent/sibling got cancer. In other words, if mom got it at 40 child needs screened at 30.

I know of a father and sone that both got stomach/esophogeal cancer. The son was only 17 and it eventually killed him.

So, yes, cancer can run in families. Lung cancer risk is much higher with smokers than with non-smokers, though.

Screening early is also suggested for 1st degree relatives of breast cancer victims.

Good luck

mintsauce · 03-11-2005, 04:48 PM

My mothers brother died from cancer when he was 12, I too had cancer when I was 12 but was cured due to advancments in treatment etc. I can't say for sure but I would think that it does run in the family from my experiences.