Genetics is one of the factors that increase the risk of developing cancer. Oncologist MD Pavel Koposov, deputy director of the European Medical Center (EMC) Institute of Oncology, told socialbites.ca about this. He named mutations that increase the risk of oncology more than others.
According to the expert, cancer cells consist of cells of our own body that have experienced failures (mutations) at the genetic level.
“Every day in the body of every person, several hundred thousand of these cells are formed. Our immune system is actively fighting them. At some point, a failure occurs, and then the process of formation of a cancerous tumor begins, ”the doctor explained.
There are certain types of mutations that increase the risk of developing a malignant tumor more than others, and they can be passed from parents to children, etc. may be hereditary. Also, for example, from grandparents to grandchildren, etc.
“The most studied of these are BRCA1 and BRCA2. They contribute to the development of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate and pancreatic cancer. It is not only women who have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer who need to be careful, but also men whose mothers, sisters or grandmothers suffer from these diseases. Because mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes can be passed from female to male and contribute to the development of prostate cancer,” the oncologist warned.
Therefore, if one of the close relatives has cancer, especially at a young age, it makes sense to have a genetic test, the doctor is sure.
“It will show whether you have genes with dangerous mutations. If they are found, this is not a reason to panic. Some mutations can cause certain types of cancer. If you have them, a systematic examination by a qualified specialist, approximately every six months, so as not to miss the onset of the development of a malignant tumor. To date, in most cases, such neoplasms have completely healed, ”the doctor concluded.
Formerly socialbites.ca Wrote About the most difficult type of cancer to treat.