Many people think cancer can be come from the family history, but it is not true.
Myth
If any one in the family affected by the cancer, it does mean the other members in the family will also develop.
Truth
Only 5-10% of the cancers are the hereditary and it is due to the germline mutations, this is present in every cell of the body and it passed from the parents to the child and increase the cancer risk
For Example
Mutations in the BRAC1 and BRAC2 these are the genes which will normally repair DNA damage. When these genes mutated it leads to the DNA damage and accumulates in the cells which will increase the risk of cancer.
So this may happen were rare. The cancer are most commonly sporadic.
Myth
Breast cancer only occur in Women.
Truth
Men with BRCA mutations can also develop the risk of breast cancer.
Sporadic Cancer
It is caused by the Lifestyle, environment and aging.15-20% may occur in familes due to shared habits not genes.
For example
Lung cancer Due to the Long term Smoking
Skin Cancer due to the UV exposure
Can you List any other cancer that are due to the mutations of genes?
MBH/PS