The name cancer disease is something no one wants to have or see happen to someone they know. Cancer… over 95 percent of cases occur naturally, and the other 5 percent are caused by genetics. Those who carry genetic cancer genes have a tendency to develop cancer similar to their family members by more than 14 percent, which according to medical statistics is considered high… so we must pay special attention to this risk group!!
What is genetic cancer?
Genetic cancer is a type of cancer that can be inherited from generation to generation and can occur at a young age. Normally, the risk of developing cancer starts at age 50 or older. However, for genetic cancer, the risk can begin as early as age 40 or younger. The youngest genetic cancer patient found was 7–8 years old, with a history of certain types of colon cancer. For breast cancer, the youngest patient found was 18 years old or younger if the body has breasts and produces more sex hormones.
How do we know if we have genetic cancer genes?
Genetic cancer cannot be known until a blood test is done or cancer develops first. However, patients can suspect their risk based on information such as close relatives like grandmother, mother, maternal siblings, and their own siblings having a history of cancer, from 1–2 people or more.
One should suspect that they might have the right to genetic cancer or develop cancer before the age of 50. If you suspect you may have cancer related to genetics, you should see a doctor for diagnosis.
The doctor will take a history and calculate the risk of genetic cancer. If the patient is found to be at risk based on family history, the doctor will perform a blood test for genetic cancer genes to confirm which types of cancer the patient may be at risk for.
The doctor will then test two groups of genes: BRCA1 and BRCA2, which control cell growth. If abnormalities are found in these two gene groups, it means there is a chance of developing cancer that can be inherited genetically.
Benefits of testing for genetic cancer genes
Patients at risk of genetic cancer clearly have a higher chance of developing cancer than the general population, but the age at which symptoms appear varies. Most patients hesitate to get tested because they fear finding out they are at risk. However, in reality, genetic cancer gene blood testing has more benefits than expected, as follows:
- Knowing what to avoid: Patients who know they are at risk can avoid behaviors that increase the chance of developing cancer.
- Alerting family members to be cautious together: If one sibling tests positive for genetic cancer genes, it is possible that other blood relatives may also be at risk.
- Better life planning after marriage: With advanced medical technology, patients can choose to preserve eggs or sperm that do not carry genetic cancer genes or other serious diseases for IVF, reducing the risk of passing it on to the next generation.
- Helps prevent cancer progression: Doctors will schedule annual check-ups. Early detection allows for early treatment, increasing the chance of complete recovery. Additionally, there are now effective targeted cancer drugs, giving patients more treatment options.
Patients often worry… fearing that if they have cancer, it cannot be cured. But nowadays, medical science has advanced greatly, with new treatment methods and drugs always emerging. Knowing early has more benefits than drawbacks. We want you to see it as an opportunity to fight the disease safely and effectively.
Dr. Obchula Trachu
Internist, Cancer Center
Phyathai 2 Hospital
