Worries re possible genetic predisposition to lung cancer

[Manninmaid]

I have a friend and the females in each generation of her family have developed lung cancer. She and her mother are understandably concerned re their risk and wonder whether there is any genetic testing available and whether there is any specific advice for people in this situation. I have no idea re this and would be grateful for any advice please.

Best wishes to all on the forum 🌻

[Denzie]

As of this time there is only one known genetic mutation that predisposes people to lung cancer. It is the germline T-790 mutation. The Roy Castle website may have information on obtaining testing. It may be that you have to pay for private testing.

[Manninmaid in reply to Denzie]

Thank you so much for your prompt and helpful response.

Best wishes 🌸

[JanetteR57]

It's rare but not unknown. Many different generations of the same family may have either had the same/similar employment history (mining/foundrys, asbestos exposure etc), lived in the same area (exposure to radon etc) and smoking history. Historically this was believed to be why it developed in some families. Now more genetic testing is done for targeted therapies, more data is being gathered all the time. The main lifestyle advice for anyone is if you have lungs, you can develop lung cancer but if you are already smoking, for a vast number of health benefits including reducing cancer risk, try to reduce or quit and adopt as healthy a lifestyle as possible. None of us has guarantees in life and many of us who developed lung cancer did not fall into any 'at risk' category but for me, learning how cancer develops and interventions we might make, I found the book 'anti-cancer - a new way of life' by Dr Servan Schreiber very helpful. good luck.

[Manninmaid in reply to JanetteR57]

Thank you so much for this information which I have passed on. Best wishes 🌸x

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Dear Manninmaid

There is no specific genetic testing as yet for familial lung cancer, however there is ongoing research into this for all different areas of cancers; what is important is that any potential genetic link, increases the risk of the cancer and not the disease itself.

This link from the US National library of Medicine demonstrates this:

ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/l...

This link provides information from Cancer Research UK on 'Family history and inherited genes'

cancerresearchuk.org/about-...

Our Freephone nurse helpline number 0800 358 7200

Kind regards

The Roy Castle Support Team

[Manninmaid]

Thank you so much for your advice on this. Best wishes to all on the RCLCF Support Team. 🌻