Father’s Day is the perfect time to consider your family cancer history and the implications that may have for you and your direct relatives, which includes your children.
Hereditary cancers are caused by an inherited gene mutation that is passed down by one or both parents. If you carry a mutated cancer gene, your children will have a 50% chance of acquiring that mutation from you. Approximately 10% of cancers are caused by inherited mutations and if you identify the mutation, before cancer is diagnosed, there are proactive steps that can be taken to substantially reduce or eliminate the chance of developing that cancer.
Men can be diagnosed with colorectal, pancreatic, prostate, breast, kidney, brain, stomach and other cancers due to inherited mutated genes. They can also pass these mutations down to future generations if they are carriers, even if they do not ever have a cancer diagnosis. Knowing your family cancer history – from BOTH sides of your family – is the first step in determining whether your family has an inherited cancer risk.
Complete the Family History Tool on our website and IF there is indication that you may have an inheritable cancer syndrome in your family, we suggest that you consider genetic counseling to assess this information and make informed decisions for you and your family’s future health.
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