Hereditary Cancers

Peer Review Status: Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cancer Information Service
First Published: November 2001
Last Revised: May 2003

The most common hereditary cancer syndromes are the breast and ovarian cancers associated with a gene call BRCA. Some colon cancers are a result of a gene for familial adenomatous polyposis (a condition where hundreds of colon polyps occur) or hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer, which is associated with four genes. These conditions are suspected when multiple family members develop cancer, especially at a young age.

Cancer specialists will generally recommend genetic testing for cancer (a blood test) only when a family study suggests a genetic mutation is responsible for the high risk. If individuals are found to have a gene that may increase risk, they can have more frequent checkups to detect cancer at an early, curable stage. In some types of cancer, there are ways to intervene to prevent the disease.

Genetic abnormalities that make people susceptible to cancer are uncommon. Most people with a family history of cancer have a somewhat elevated risk but should not be alarmed. The best reaction is to be an active participant in preventing cancer by engaging in a healthy lifestyle and by having annual screenings--examination of the breast, prostate and colon, according to your doctor's advice.