Let’s Talk About Hereditary Cancers
September 24, 2023 through September 30, 2023 is National Hereditary Cancer Week. National Previvor Day is September 27, 2023. A Previvor is a person who is at a higher risk of cancer due to an inherited genetic mutation. Here’s what you need to know.
What is a hereditary cancer? Hereditary cancer is when a person has an inherited genetic mutation that makes that person more prone to a specific cancer or cancers than a person in the general population without the genetic mutation. It does NOT mean that the genetic mutation always causes cancer. It just means the persons risk of certain cancers is higher than persons without the genetic mutation.
Who can pass on the genetic mutations and who can inherit them? The genetic mutations can be inherited from mother or father or both, and passed on to son or daughter or both.
What percentage of cancers are due to inherited gene mutations? It is estimated that 5-10% of cancers are due to an inherited gene mutation.
I’ve heard of BRCA1 and BRCA2, is that the only genetic mutation for cancer? While BRCA1 and BRCA2 are the most widely known genetic mutations, they are not the only ones. There are others, each with different cancer predisposition and guidelines. Talk with your doctor, a genetics expert, or a genetic counselor for more information pertinent to YOUR specific situation.
Who should get genetic testing? Talk to your doctor, a genetic expert, or a genetic counselor regarding YOUR specific situation to see if genetic testing is right for you.
What is the benefit of getting genetic testing? Genetic testing may provide you with steps that you can take to lower your risk of cancer, and/or detect cancer earlier. It may also provide your family members with information that may be pertinent to their health and well-being. Knowledge is power.
For more information: The National Cancer Institute here; FORCE at www.facingourrisk.org; the National Society of Genetic Counselors www.aboutgeneticcounselors.org; or speak with your doctor about YOUR specific situation. Check out Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance www.ocrahope.org/preventovca to learn about a new initiative that offers free genetic testing for those who qualify. Together we can save lives!