The name cancer disease is something no one wants to have or see happen to someone they know. More than 95 percent of cancers occur naturally, while the other 5 percent are hereditary cancers. People with hereditary cancer genes have a tendency to develop cancer similar to their family members by more than 14 percent, which is considered high according to medical statistics. Therefore, we must pay special attention to this high-risk group!!
What is hereditary cancer?
Hereditary cancer is a type of cancer that can be passed down from generation to generation and can occur at a young age. Normally, the risk of developing cancer starts at age 50 or older, but for hereditary cancer, the risk begins from age 40 or even earlier. The youngest hereditary cancer patient found was 7-8 years old, with a history of certain types of colon cancer. Meanwhile, the youngest breast cancer patient was 18 years old or younger if the body has breasts and produces more sex hormones.
How do we know if we have hereditary cancer genes?
Hereditary cancer cannot be known until a blood test is done or cancer develops first. However, patients can suspect their risk based on information or if close relatives such as grandmother, mother, maternal siblings, or their own siblings have a history of cancer, at least 1-2 people or more.
In such cases, it is suspected that you may have a high chance of hereditary cancer or developing cancer before the age of 50. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a doctor for a health check and risk assessment. The doctor will take a history and calculate the risk of hereditary cancer. If the patient is found to be at risk based on family history, the doctor will perform a blood test for hereditary cancer genes to confirm which types of cancer the patient may be at risk for.
The doctor will then test two gene groups: 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 hereditary cancer genes
It is quite clear that patients at risk of hereditary cancer have a higher chance of developing cancer than the general population, but the symptoms may appear at different ages. Most people avoid testing because they fear finding out they are at risk. In reality, testing for hereditary cancer genes has more benefits than expected, as follows:
- Know what to avoid Knowing your risk helps patients avoid behaviors that increase the chance of developing cancer.
- Warn family members to be cautious together If one sibling tests positive for hereditary cancer genes, it is likely that other blood relatives may also have the same risk.
- Better life planning after marriage With advanced medical technology, patients can choose to preserve eggs or sperm without hereditary cancer genes or other serious diseases for future IVF or assisted reproduction, reducing the risk of passing cancer genes 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. There are also effective targeted cancer drugs available, giving patients more treatment options.
Patients often worry… fearing that if they get cancer, it cannot be cured. However, medical science has advanced greatly with new treatments and drugs constantly emerging. Early awareness only brings benefits as it increases the chances of fighting the disease and receiving the most effective and timely treatment.
Dr. Obchula Trachu
Internist, Cancer Center
Phyathai 2 Hospital
