Hereditary Cancer Blog 12th Sept 2023

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This month, we focus our attention on Hereditary Cancer - this blog is dedicated to raising awareness and sharing information about hereditary cancer.

Read our full blog below.

Hereditary Cancer Awareness Month

You may have heard that some inherited faulty genes (or gene mutations) can increase your risk of developing cancer. Around 5% of cancers are linked to an inherited faulty gene, according to Cancer Research UK.

The majority of cancers develop due to a mixture of risk factors, which may include family history. While most cancers are not connected to inherited faulty genes, there is an increased risk of developing certain types of cancer if you do have a faulty gene. Some forms of cancer are more likely to run in families; for example, your chances of developing certain types of breast, bowel or ovarian cancer are greater if you have close family members with the condition. Some types of cancer, though, like cervical cancer and lung cancer, are less likely to be genetic.

While having close relatives with cancer may put you at higher risk than others for getting particular cancers, it does not mean you certainly will develop these cancers.

BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes 

BRCA stands for BReast CAncer gene, and everybody has these genes. They play a vital role in preventing our body cells from growing and dividing out of control, hence doctors call these tumour suppressor genes.

A fault (or mutation) in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene, however, will lead to body cells growing out of control. This can cause cancer to develop. Both men and women can have faulty BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, which increase the risk of developing several cancers, including breast, ovarian, pancreatic and prostate cancer.

Statistics from Cancer Research

Breast cancer - Researchers think that around 70% of women with a faulty BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene will develop breast cancer by the age of 80. Up to 10% of men with a faulty BRCA2 will develop breast cancer.  

Ovarian cancer - Almost 45% of people with a faulty BRCA1 gene will develop ovarian cancer by the age of 80. This is almost 20% with a faulty BRCA2 gene.

Prostate and pancreatic cancer - faulty BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes can increase your risk of developing prostate and pancreatic cancer, but this risk is much lower than the risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer.

If you are concerned, know that it is only likely that a cancer gene is present in your family if:

• There are 2 or more close relatives on the same side of the family (your mother's or your father's side) with the same type of cancer, or with particular types of cancer that are known to be linked – for example, breast and ovarian cancer or bowel and womb cancer.
• Cancers are occurring at young ages (before the age of 50).
• A close relative has had two different types of cancer (rather than one cancer that has spread).

If you are concerned by the above and worried about your cancer risk, do not hesitate to speak with your GP. They will ask you about your family history, and if they think you are at an increased risk of developing cancer, they will refer you to a genetic counsellor, family cancer clinic or a cancer specialist.

Thankfully, faulty BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are rare; only around 1 in every 400 people have a faulty BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene. Cancers caused by inherited faulty genes are a lot less common than cancers caused by other factors, such as ageing.

Most cancers develop due to a combination of chance and environment. It is important to eat a healthy, balanced diet; get regular exercise; avoid smoking; and maintain a healthy weight.

You can find more information here: Family history, genes and cancer risk | Macmillan Cancer Support

Cancer Research UK also has more information about family history and inherited cancer genes

That's it from us this week. If any of the issues in this blog affect you or a loved one, please call our Community Gateway (01872 266383) who are here to help and offer support, information, and advice.