If your parents had cancer, how much at risk are you?

How significant is genetics in cancer?
Genes determine your body’s biological blueprint, but does this blueprint definitively map out the path to cancer? The answer isn’t simple. While genetic mutations are the primary cause of some cancers, most cancers result from a complex interaction between genetics and the environment.

Some cancers, like breast and ovarian cancer (associated with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations) and colorectal cancer (linked to APC mutations), are prominent examples of hereditary cancers. These types of cancers typically occur at younger ages and are repeated across multiple generations within a family. However, genetics is just one piece of the puzzle. Factors like smoking, an unhealthy diet, and stress also play significant roles in increasing cancer risk. This is where genetic cancer testing comes into play. This test helps you understand whether you carry gene mutations associated with cancer.

February 1, 2025 | 5:24 am