Are Genes to Blame For Everything?

 - Maxim Sergeyevich, the fear of getting cancer is extremely negative for the quality of life of people with a hereditary predisposition to cancer. Is there really a connection between cancer and heredity?

- Cancer is the disease that has a genetic component, but it is not obligatory hereditary. One can inherit only genes mutation, which increases the risk of development oncologic disease, but does not guaranty the disease itself. There exist two types of genes changes: the ones, which are inherited, and the ones, which happen during your life (as a result of the natural process of getting old, influence of chemical agents). The inherited changes of DNA are transferred from parents to a child and are called changes or mutations of embryonic line. Some changes of genes are absolutely harmless, and some may cause problems with health and serious diseases, including oncologic ones.

- What is it necessary to know about “genetic transfer” of cancer?

- The majority of hereditary cases of oncological diseases are connected with the availability of mutations in two genes: BRCA1 (Breast Cancer 1) and BRCA2 (Breast Cancer 2). Every person has got these genes, but their function is to restore cells damages and support the normal growth of breast and ovaries tissues. But when these genes contain mutations, they work “abnormally”, as a result of which the risk of oncological diseases increases.

- Are there genetically determined types of cancer?

- Yes, there exist particular types of cancer that have a hereditary component. Among them – breast cancer, ovarian cancer, in some cases – colon cancer, melanoma, pancreatic cancer.

But there are also many factors that further influence the likelihood of developing cancer. These include the external environment, the general condition of the body, lifestyle, etc. Therefore, it is impossible to list with absolute certainty the types of cancer that are transmitted genetically. It is customary to speak not about the inheritance of cancer, but about the transmission from generation to generation of a tendency to malignant tumors.

- When should preventive measures begin?

- As a rule, a genetic predisposition to a malignant neoplasm can be suspected if the patient has two or more blood relatives who have cancer. But one should not be afraid of this and live only with the thought of illness. The set of negative hereditary factors does not always lead to the development of the disease. At the same time, a person with a genetic predisposition to cancer needs regular examination by an oncologist. If in a family of several generations there are repeated cases of malignant neoplasms or a person has several blood relatives who have cancer of the breast, ovaries or colon, you can contact specialists for oncogenetic counseling and special tests.

- What genetic tests are carried out in LISOD?

- These are the studies of genetic mutation for the increased risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer development (BRCA1/2), it is also possible to carry on a genetic study for the presence of the increased risk of gastric cancer (CDH1), study for the availability of Lynch syndrome and others.

But you should not forget that genetic tests will not give a particular reply to the question: will a person have some hereditary type of cancer or not? They can only indicate the likelihood of this. It is also impossible to determine in advance which family member is more likely to get cancer. But it is very important for everyone to know the medical history of their family. The better the patient is aware of it, the easier it is for a clinical oncologist to determine the likelihood of developing an oncological disease. Timely examination allows you to detect a tumor in time and choose the most effective methods of treatment, which significantly increases the chances of recovery.

But each of these examinations should be performed with certain regularity and at a certain age, and an ordinary person, having seen the list of diagnostics, may be at a loss.

Therefore, LISOD has a special service - an individual screening selection. These are screenings of the breast, lungs, intestines, stomach, prostate and cervix. Clinical oncologists of LISOD are always ready to guide and suggest which examinations and how often should be performed, as well as recommend the optimal diagnostic schedule needed by a particular person. This approach will allow the doctor to obtain important information about the patient’s health without resorting to unnecessary examinations and analyzes. Sign up for a consultation of a clinical oncologist today. Talk with your doctor in person and go through the necessary tests. Your health is in your hands!