Scientists have long known that there is a link between inherited mutations in the BRCA genes (known as BRCA1 and BRCA2) and an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancers. But these same genetic mutations are implicated in several other types of cancer, too, including prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer and…
Research is offering us more and more clues about the causes of many different type of cancer. Genetics is far from the only cause, however genetic mutations have been shown to increase someone’s risk of various different types of cancers, including bowel, breast, ovarian, womb and prostate cancer.
There is no doubt that heeding the advice of doctors to stay safe in the sun can help to protect you against skin cancer. But, for some people, the risk of skin cancer is increased purely as a result of their genes. If you’re one of these people, what can you…
Research has thrown new light on the genetic variants that can increase your risk of developing bowel cancer. A study, led by a team of researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Centre, highlighted the key role played by genetics in some types of colorectal cancer. It could provide vital new insights…
Between two and five per cent of bowel cancer is inherited and if you have a close family member with the disease, you are 30% more likely to develop it than the rest of the population.
Between 5 and 10 per cent of pancreatic cancers are believed to be hereditary. So-called familial cancers are linked to a faulty gene that runs in families. Not everyone who carries the gene will develop the disease, however their risk is higher and people are advised to make lifestyle changes…
Currently genetic testing for hereditary cancer is only offered on the NHS in certain circumstances – usually if a family member, or several family members, die. How could a simple saliva-based DNA test help families better understand their cancer risk?
Inherited faulty genes can increase your risk of developing breast cancer from 5% to 87%. Here’s how a simple saliva test for hereditary cancer could predict your risk and ultimately might even save your life.