Cancer Prevention
Other Factors

Family History of Cancer

Although they only represent up to 10 percent of cancers, some gene changes that increase the risk of cancer are passed from parent to child. These changes are present at birth in all cells of the body.

It is uncommon for cancer to run in a family. However, certain types of cancer do occur more often in some families than in the rest of the population. If you think you may have a pattern of a certain type of cancer in your family, you may want to talk to your doctor and a genetic counselor.

Exams that detect cancer might be ordered, as well as genetic testing. These tests (such as A gene on chromosome 17 that normally helps to suppress cell growth, but a person that inherits certain mutations or changes in a BRCA1 gene has a higher risk of getting breast, ovarian, prostate, and other types of cancer. BRCA1 or 2 gene) can check for certain inherited gene changes that increase the chance of developing cancer.

Any change in the DNA of a cell. Mutations may be caused by mistakes during cell division, or they may be caused by exposure to DNA-damaging agents in the environment. Mutations can be harmful, beneficial, or have no effect. If they occur in cells that make eggs or sperm, they can be inheritable; if mutations occur in other types of cells, they are not inheritable. Certain mutations may lead to cancer or other diseases.

• Somatic Mutation (soh-MA-tik myoo-TAY-shun)

An alteration in DNA that occurs after conception. Somatic mutations can occur in any of the cells of the body except the germ cells (sperm and egg) and therefore are not passed on to children. These alterations can (but do not always) cause cancer or other diseases.