In-depth look at genetic cancer, a silent threat that may be closer than you think. When talking about deadly diseases that take lives in society, the name that many people think of is undoubtedly “cancer,” a deadly disease that is one of the leading causes of death among Thai people and people worldwide. Most people have heard of cancer, but may not know what cancer really is, what causes cancer, or even that some cancers may be caused by genetic inheritance. Let’s get to know more about cancer and genetic cancer.
“Cancer” is a disease caused by gene abnormalities, which means mutations occur in genes that control cell division and growth. When genes are abnormal, cells become abnormal and multiply uncontrollably, leading to cancer. Gene mutations can occur in our bodies, but mostly happen in genes that are not essential, or sometimes our bodies can repair them, so no problems arise. The exact cause of gene mutations is still unknown, but some factors may trigger them, such as smoking and alcohol consumption. Did you know that some people may inherit abnormal genes from birth, passed down genetically from their parents, which may lead to cancer in the future? This is called “genetic cancer”.
“Genetic cancer” refers to a group of cancers caused by abnormal or mutated genes inherited genetically from either the father or mother. Is cancer hereditary? Currently, we have data showing that certain gene mutations are associated with an increased risk of some cancers. However, this does not mean that everyone with these gene mutations will develop cancer. These individuals only have a higher risk of cancer than the general population, and they may or may not develop cancer in the future.
Who is at risk of genetic cancer?
We can divide people at risk of genetic cancer into 2 cases.
Case 1 is patients who already have cancer and have suspicious histories, such as being diagnosed with cancer at a young age. For example, breast cancer diagnosed before the age of 50, or having multiple types of cancer in the same person, such as both breast and ovarian cancer.
Case 2 is healthy individuals but with a suspicious family history of genetic cancer, such as multiple family members with cancer, one family member having more than one type of cancer, or having family members with rare cancers, such as male breast cancer.
If you want to know whether you are at risk of genetic cancer, it is recommended to consult a doctor for risk assessment and genetic counseling first. If you are at risk of genetic cancer, the doctor will order further tests for a definitive diagnosis, which is a blood test to detect abnormal or mutated genes.
Alt: Common genetic cancers
Common types of genetic cancer
Genetic cancer is caused by abnormal genes inherited genetically. Certain gene mutations may increase the risk of several types of cancer. We call this group of cancers Hereditary Cancer Syndromes. Common genetic cancer syndromes include:
Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome
Caused by mutations in commonly found genes BRCA1 and BRCA2. Individuals with BRCA mutations also have an increased risk of other cancers, such as pancreatic and prostate cancer. Additionally, hereditary breast and ovarian cancer may be caused by mutations in other genes such as CHEK2, BRIP1, PALB2, ATM, etc.
Hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome
For example, Lynch syndrome, found in about 3-5% of colorectal cancer patients. It is caused by genetic abnormalities involved in DNA repair. Patients in this group not only have an increased risk of colorectal cancer but also other cancers such as endometrial cancer, urinary tract cancer, stomach cancer, and bile duct cancer. Besides Lynch syndrome, other genetic cancer syndromes related to hereditary colorectal cancer include Li–Fraumeni syndrome and Cowden syndrome, caused by different gene mutations.
Hereditary diffuse gastric cancer syndrome
Caused by mutations in the CDH1 gene. Individuals with this mutation have a very high risk of stomach cancer, which can occur at a young age, and also have an increased risk of breast cancer.
What are the benefits of knowing about genetic cancer?
Knowing whether you have genetic cancer is beneficial for treatment, such as using targeted drugs, planning more specific cancer screening, or preventing cancer through surgery or medication to reduce cancer risk. It also provides information for family members to undergo risk assessment and further testing.
Phyathai 1 Hospital has a cancer center that provides treatment following a new approach called “Precision Cancer Medicine,” which uses genetic information of cancer to plan personalized treatment. It can also diagnose genetic cancer through genetic testing to find mutated genes that increase cancer risk, enabling more effective prevention and treatment.
Patients and families can make appointments for screening or treatment of genetic cancer at the Cheevisuk Cancer Center, Building 1, 3rd Floor, Phyathai 1 Hospital. The expert medical team closely monitors and evaluates patients for the best treatment outcomes.
Reference:
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/genetics#is-cancer-a-genetic-disease