Cancer is a common disease, so it’s no surprise that many families have at least a few members who have had cancer.
Sometimes, certain types of cancer seem to run in some families. In some cases, this might be because family members share certain behaviors or exposures that increase cancer risk, such as smoking. Cancer risk might also be affected by other factors, like obesity, that tend to run in some families.
In other cases, cancers that run in families can be caused by an abnormal gene that is passed from generation to generation. Although this is often referred to as inherited cancer, what is inherited is the abnormal gene that can lead to cancer, not the cancer itself. Only about 5% to 10% of all cancers are thought to result directly from gene defects (called mutations) inherited from a parent.
We provide the most up to date genetic testing and genetic counselling as it relates to the risk of gynecologic cancers. Knowing whether you or your loved ones are at risk, may lead to more effective prevention, earlier diagnosis and in many cases saves lives.