Hereditary Cancer and Genetic Testing
A Family Guide to Risk prevention and Informed Decisions
Cancer is common, but hereditary cancer is relatively rare though very important to identify. Only about 5–10% of cancers occur due to inherited gene mutations passed down through families. Recognizing families with this risk helps doctors detect cancer earlier and, in some cases, even prevent it.
Understanding Genetic Vs Non-Genetic Cancer
Most cancers develop due to aging, lifestyle, environmental exposure, or random cell changes. These are not inherited.
Hereditary cancers occur when a person is born with a mutation in a protective gene, such as:
These genes normally act as safety systems. When altered, cancer risk increases — but cancer is still not guaranteed.
Family Scenarios: Do You Recognize Your Story?
-
You look across three generations. No cancers.
In this case, your risk is similar to the general population. Routine age-based screening is appropriate. Genetic testing is not required.
A Public Example: Preventive Surgery
When actress Angelina Jolie publicly shared her BRCA1 mutation and decision to undergo preventive mastectomy and later preventive oophorectomy, it brought global attention to hereditary cancer prevention.
Her case illustrates that:
Not every mutation carrier requires surgery, but for selected individuals, risk-reducing mastectomy or removal of ovaries can reduce cancer risk by over 90%.
Preventive Options in Hereditary Cancer
If a mutation is identified, management may include:
Enhanced Surveillance
Earlier and more frequent screening such as MRI breast, colonoscopy, thyroid ultrasound, or PSA testing depending on gene type.
Risk-Reducing Medication
Certain medications may reduce breast cancer risk in selected patients.
Preventive Surgery
These decisions depend on age, mutation type, and personal preference.
Genetic Counselling and Hereditary Risk Assessment
We evaluate patients with:
Where indicated:
Genetics influences both treatment and long-term family health planning.