Genetics Play A Strong Role In Cancer Risks

While cancer is often caused by a number of controllable factors, such as tobacco use, obesity and exposure to toxins, genetics also plays a strong role in determining an individual’s particular risks. It’s been long known that a family history of cancer could increase a person’s risk for developing the disease. A new study, however, sheds light on just how strong that role might be.

To gain a better understanding of the genetic links that may drive cancer development, researchers conducted a large-scale study involving more than 200,000 same-sex twins. The findings are quite eye-opening in regard to the enhanced risks family members may face when cancer is diagnosed in one member. The study included both fraternal and identical twins to gain greater insights into familial risk.

While researchers found that twins are technically no more likely to develop cancer than anyone else, another finding serves as a warning to those who have cancer diagnosed in their families. The study showed the risks in a twin for developing cancer rose dramatically if the other twin was diagnosed with a form of the disease.

The overall results of the multi-national study showed that one in three people in the study group developed cancer of one type or another over the course of their lifetime. The risk was deemed about 5 percent higher for fraternal twins and 14 percent higher for identical twins if their sibling happened to be diagnosed. When looking at individual sets of twins who had both been diagnosed with cancer, 38 percent of identical and 26 percent of fraternal twin sets were ultimately diagnosed with the exact same form of the disease.

All told, the researchers looked at 23 different types of cancer. They found family links were especially strong in such cancers as testicular, melanoma, ovarian and stomach. In regard to testicular cancer, fraternal twins were about 12 times more likely to contract the condition if one sibling developed it. Identical twins were deemed to have a risk that was about 28 times higher if one was diagnosed with testicular cancer.

The study solidifies the strong genetic link between some forms of cancer and reinforces the recommendation that people with a family history of cancer do their part to undergo routine screenings and take preventative measures. While everyone should discuss their personal cancer risks with their healthcare providers, those with a family history might want to be even more mindful of the need to do so.

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Southlake Oncology, a Choice Cancer Care Treatment Center, located in the Southlake and Grapevine area, is a community-focused oncology practice that delivers exceptional care to North Texas cancer patients with a variety of cancer diagnoses and blood disorders.