Could I have a ‘cancer gene’?

[Kellan38]

My sister was diagnosed with breast cancer today, my mother had Myeloma, and my father died of pancreatic cancer with a secondary cancer of the liver. I am 64, and I am very worried that I am susceptible to cancer, too. Am I being unduly worried that I have a ‘cancer gene’ too? As well as being worried about my sister, I am also now very worried for myself....

[6357axbz]

Early detection is often vital for defeating cancer should you get it so you probably should be doing what tests are available for early detection. Unfortunately I am not sufficiently knowledgeable to provide a list of available tests.

[Tall_Allen]

You can get a good germline genomic test for $249. Your doctor has to prescribe it.

color.com/product/hereditar...

[AlanMeyer Moderator]

One thing to consider is the age at which your parents contracted their cancers. We will all die of something and It has been said that those of us who don't die of something else will eventually die of cancer. That's true for quite a few other diseases too. Cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer's and some others are all diseases of old age and the older we get, the more susceptible we become to them until one of them brings us down. A doctor once asked me how my father died and I said that he heart attack at age 87. The doctor nodded his head and said "He was entitled." He meant, of course, that if you make it to age 87, you've done reasonably well no matter what you die of.

So, if your parents lived to a reasonably old age, that's a good sign. It's not so good if they died young.

Alan

[Kellan38]

Thank you all for your replies

My mother died at 89, and my father at 74, whilst my sister is 75. I would deduce from this, therefore, that as tragic as their deaths were, their advanced ages do not suggest a faulty gene is present, and this despite the fact that that all succumbed to cancer.

I only hope I am right, anyway, to arriving at this conclusion.

Thank you again for all your replies

Regards

Graham

[semorglas]

I tend to agree with AllenMeyer age plays a large role. In some families I do believe there is a tendency toward cancer. My own family might fit this scenario.

Brother died @ 36 - Melanoma

Mother died @ 54 - Melanoma

Father died @ 77 - Multiple Myeloma

Sister died @ 58 - Multiple Myeloma

I myself contracted Prostate Cancer @ 69 & still going. Last one standing.

Not sure if this proves anything but it sure seems suspect.

[dentaltwin]

My understanding is that a particular BRCA2 mutation increases the incidence of panceratic ca, and BRCA2 mutations increase the risk of PC--though not as much as they do for breast ca. There are also specific genetic traits such as familial pancreatitis that carry a significant risk of pancreatic cancer, but you'd probably know that already. My mom died of pancreatic ca (I have not myself taken a genomic test).

[JoelT]

Cancer is a genetic disease and a strong family history is a red flag that there might be some genetic issue passed on from one generation to the next.

However, most cancers are probably a result of some genetic damaged suffered by our just living our life. In today's world we are constantly being bombarded by environmental insults that have the potential to damage our DNA (genes). These insults come from the food we eat, the radiation we receive, especially from the time we spend in an airplane, exposures from the work place, etc.

Veterans are at a higher risk of developing cancer from additional exposures, like agent orange, jet fuel, radiation from radar, depleted uranium from artillery shells, etc.

We do know about some of the genetic mutations that can be passed on from one generation to the next, the most well known is a mutation in the BRACA gene, but there are others. When we see certain patterns in family cancers it increases our concern that the cancer might be one of these cancers that are passed on from generation to generation.

Your description of your family history could be indicative of some sort of germline mutation (passed on from one generation to the next) that might increase the risk of developing cancer, but not the disease itself.

Seeing both breast and pancreatic cancer in first degree relatives (your father and your sister) does raise the concern that there might be a germline mutation being passed on in your family. We can not longer see if your father had any of these mutations, but your sister and you (including any other siblings you might have) can and I believe should be evaluated to see if you have any of the concerning mutations, the most likely culprit being the BRACA gene.

Having any mutation does not mean that you will get cancer, just that your risk is increased. If you do have a mutation you should, along with your doctor, develop a plan to increase your surveillance to be sure that if you do develop any cancer it is picked up earlier.

Additionally, if a mutation does exist you should let other close family members know so that they too can see if they are carrying the mutation.

[dadzone43]

There are many reliable and inexpensive sources of DNA testing. Get a test so you will not have to speculate.

[pjd55d]

Hi

My Oncologist is on the teaching/research staff at University of Chicago. There is a history of Cancer in my family and they asked me if I would be willing to let them do a gene/genetic research for their program. It cost nothing except a blood draw. They gave me the results - identified the gene - and I passed the info on to my siblings and my nieces and nephews and their children and recommended that when they go for check-ups, that they mention this to there Dr - just so that they know and would consider a harder look - or at least monitor them.

BTW I did take the Gene name and made a graphic/art piece and put it up on my ego wall - after all it IS part of who I am.

Best to you. Monitoring and getting info and participating in your health care IS the right thing to do. Fretting and worrying about the unknown is a waste of energy - in my opinion.

P