Cancer runs in family, what to do?

obs · Regular Joined: 10 Aug 2007 Posts: 28

Cancer runs in my dads side of the family, and everyone on my moms side is absolutely cancer free. My dad is the 3rd child of 6, his mother and my grandmother passed away from pancreatic cancer 44 years ago when my dad was only 6 yrs old, my dads oldest brother the oldest of the children had rectal cancer, and now my dad has cancer. I myself am 24 yrs old and I have a younger brother who is 16, what should we do to see if we are susceptible to cancer? Is there any tests that can be done?

brainman

Hi Obs,

I do not know for a genetic relationship between the various cancer your family has had in its history. I just wanted to say how devastating cancer must be for you and your family! You family surely has had more cancers in it than most families. I know that there is some tendencies for multi generational breast cancers. I also how there has been a study made on primary brain cancers but I have not seen the results of that study. I also know that various cancers have genetic mutations associated with them. However, I could not give you even a beginning of a list. Sorry. Maybe someone else will be of more help. If you find any information, please share it with us.

How is your father doing? I still have him in my prayers. I know this must be a great source of anxiety for you and all of your family.
_________________
Jim
Site Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendoglioma grade 3, same location.
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=7350
My Story Part 2: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=8029
Blog http://jimhawkinsport.blogspot.com/

brainman

PS,

I checked the National Cancer Instituter's website and found that currently there are three cancer where there is an "inherited susceptibility to cancer": Breast Cancer, Colon Cancer, and Thyroid Cancer. Note, it is only a better than average chance of getting one of these cancers.

My advice to you is not to worry but talk to your own doctor about your risk of someday developing cancer.
_________________
Jim
Site Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendoglioma grade 3, same location.
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=7350
My Story Part 2: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=8029
Blog http://jimhawkinsport.blogspot.com/

Flickerdays

I am terribly sorry to hear about your dad, obs.
I hope your family is ok. You're so right, Korean moms do so much.
I don't have answers for any of your questions, but I can say that I found the more you ask the doctors, the more they seem to take an interest in the care.
Do you mind if I ask where your dad is getting treated? My mom was treated at Stroger.
Max
_________________
max
http://www.flickerdays.blogspot.com

In

Hi, Obs.

I Agree with Max. The more interested and the more uestions. The more your Dr's. will take notice.

Plus it is important for everyone- weither in the family history or not. To make sure you have all regular test and check ups each year. And see a Doctor as soon as anything becomes or feels abnormal.

I was told because of the two totally seperate Cancers. I would be one of those people 'prone' to abnormal cells. So i have to make sure every bump, lump or my usual test, smears are taken care of.

Hope this helps- Stay healthy, Enjoy Life.

Inica
_________________
Thinking of you Inica

*Administrator*

~Nose Cancer~
~Car Accident- Broken Back, Ribs, Spleen
Sternum~
~Continous Cervical Cancer~

My Story-
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=6731

Smile

9 Lives and still kicking Smile

obs · Regular Joined: 10 Aug 2007 Posts: 28

Hi Max, my dad is going to get treated at Mayo Clinic, which really makes me happy. I hope that their reputation holds true when treating my dad. By the way, may I ask what part of Chicago you are in? I am in Schaumburg near Woodfield mall. Maybe one day we can have some coffee or something.

Flickerdays

OBS - I asked you a question on this forum, and then didn't bookmark it to see if you might reply. So sorry for my late response!
How is your father? How are you?
I live in Berwyn, just west of Chicago. You can email me at factsbymax@gmail.com
max
_________________
max
http://www.flickerdays.blogspot.com

Fruit lady · New User Joined: 04 Nov 2007 Posts: 4

[quote="obs"]Cancer runs in my dads side of the family, and everyone on my moms side is absolutely cancer free. My dad is the 3rd child of 6, his mother and my grandmother passed away from pancreatic cancer 44 years ago when my dad was only 6 yrs old, my dads oldest brother the oldest of the children had rectal cancer, and now my dad has cancer. I myself am 24 yrs old and I have a younger brother who is 16, what should we do to see if we are susceptible to cancer? Is there any tests that can be done?[/quote]

Cancer runs in SO many families - mine included. The genes that you inherit from your parents are not the most important factors in
determining whether you fall prey to any of the ten leading causes of death, including cancer. Too often people throw up their arms saying "It's in my genes." Don't let this happen to you. Be proactive.
My dad had cancer, my mom had diabetes and died at 68, my sister had skin cancer and I was on my way to more and more problems with paps and my cervix.

I hope this helps answer your question.

Best
FL
Very Happy

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