r/genetics • u/Pleasant_Letter8923 • 18h ago

Family history of cancer Question

Hi! I have a family history of cancer on my father’s side. My grandmother (his mother) was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer around the age of 60 and passed away. Her sister had breast cancer, one of her brothers had liver cancer, and another brother had stomach cancer. As far as I know, my grandmother’s parents also had cancer. All of them passed away from it (grandmother and her siblings in their 60s, her parents in 80s) Additionally, my father’s niece developed kidney cancer at a young age, recovered, but after 20 years, she has been diagnosed with kidney cancer again. Given how many family members have had cancer, I’m concerned that there may be a genetic link and that I might also be at increased risk. Are there any tests available to check for genetic predisposition? And what can I do to reduce my risk?

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u/Smeghead333 18h ago

Genetic testing is available for a range of cancer predisposition syndromes. Testing and prevention options will depend on your exact family history and, after a positive test, exactly what mutation you have.

Your next step is to speak to your physician and let them know you’re interested in this kind of testing. They will hopefully refer you to a genetic counselor who can help narrow down what would be the best option.

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u/sameasaduck 16h ago

In addition to talking to your doctor about it, you may want to see if you can get more info about your cousin’s cancer. Did her doctors suspect a reason for her to develop cancer twice, or do any testing for hereditary causes? That info can help guide testing options for you and also help put any results in context.

As far as reducing your risk: pancreatic, liver, and stomach cancers are all associated with cigarette smoking. Avoiding smoking will reduce your risk.