Family History and Cancer

Posted in: Cancer by Dr. Tarang Krishna Posted Date: 28 Jul, 2015

Cancer is one of the most common disease and certain types of cancer might run in the family. It is a must to be aware about the diseases running in the family especially when it comes to cancer. Around 5%-10% of cancer is related to gene defects that are inherited from a parent.

Every cell in the body consists of nucleus which is the control center of the cell. Each nucleus consists of 23 pairs of chromosomes which are made up of genes. These genes control how the body grows and work. An individual has around 25,000 genes. If something goes wrong in one or more genes, the cell becomes cancerous and then divides uncontrollably. Cells can become cancerous when they are exposed to carcinogens. These faulty genes are not passed to the future generation. This type of mutation is called acquired mutation. However some faulty genes are present in the egg or sperm of the child and this cancer can be passed. This type of mutation is known as inherited mutation.

Having a faulty gene doesn’t mean that a person will get cancer. However the chance of getting the cancer increases compared to people who don’t have inherited genes. Only 50% of people who inherits faulty genes get cancer. Different faulty genes can lead to different types of cancer. For example people with mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2 can lead to Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome.

When should a person worry?

If many cases of cancer occur in the family, it is usually due to exposure to toxins like cigarette smoke or at times it may be due to inherited genes. A person should consult the doctor if:

• 2 or more close relatives from the same side of the family have cancer
• Many cases of rare types of cancer in the family
• If the cancer occurs at a young age
• One or more childhood cancer in siblings
• Different types of cancer in a single person

Having faulty genes in the family is a cause of concern if a close relative like parents or siblings have cancer. The chances of cancer passing from a distant relative are low. If you have a strong family history of faulty genes than doctor should be consulted for the same. They can give you more information about the risk of getting the disease and help you reduce the cancer risk.

About The Author

Dr. Tarang Krishna

Dr. Tarang Krishna, Director at Cancer Healer Center, is the perfect epitome of perseverance and dedication.

He has an impressive educational background to his credit. He completed his under-graduation in Medicine and Surgery from Pune, India and did his MD (Hom) from Agra University, India.Thesis on MD was on "Treatment of cancer" where he presented cases of almost 100 patients and the response of the medicines in the treatment of cancer. He then completed his Ph.d in Oncology from the United Kingdom and his thesis on the ‘Efficacy of Medicines in the Treatment of Cancer’ is greatly commemorated and honored.

He befittingly represents alternate medicine and has contributed significantly towards the development and research of immunotherapy.

Through his nationwide chain of “Cancer Healer Center” clinics he strives to offer superior cancer treatment, using immunotherapy.