Is cancer hereditary?

Hi kafueenu, here is what i learned from www.facingourrisk.org: "All cancers are cause by changes to materials in our bodies called 'genes.'...When changes called 'mutations' occur in the genes, certain cells can grow out of control and cause cancer..." Basically, cancer is generally not hereditary and only happens when mutation occurs in our genes--whether or not we have someone from the family who has had cancer. However: "Hereditary cancers occur when a person is born with a change or mutation in...a protective gene pair." They call this 'genetic susceptibility', describing the fact that people born with this mutation have an increased risk for cancer. This apparently is totally dependent on whether we are born with this mutation in the gene and is not dependent on parents with cancer. "...The term 'hereditary cancer syndrome' describes an inherited gene mutation that increases the chance to develop one or more types of cancer..." I agree with the previous posts. Do not get so worked up with the fear of having had cancer patients in the family and thinking that you are one, too. But also don't get too confident that cancer is not hereditary. Always be cautious and go to the doctor. I hope everything goes well. ^_^

Hi,kafu,i don't think so,no need to worry as far as m knowledge.I know Diabetes and heart and Blood pressure problems are told to be hereditary.So,you consult doctor for further clarification and don't neglect.All the best and have a nice time.