5 Steps to Take if Cancer Runs in Your Family

Knowing that cancer runs in your family can be a scary thing. When multiple family members have developed or passed away from the same type of cancer, it can be even more frightening. 

Many people assume that this means they will develop cancer as well, though that’s not always the case.

If cancer runs in your family, there are some things you can do to reduce your chances of getting the same diagnosis.

Here are five steps to take if cancer runs in your family.  

1. Know How to Identify a Cancer Gene

While many medical conditions are genetic in nature, inherited cancer genes only account for about 5 to 10% of all cancer diagnoses. The overwhelming majority of people that develop cancer do so for reasons other than the fact that they carry a genetic mutation or “cancer gene.” 

Cancers that can be the result of an inherited genetic mutation include:

Breast cancer

Ovarian cancer

Colon cancer

Uterine cancer

Prostate cancer

Pancreatic cancer

Melanoma

If any of these types of cancers run in your family, it could be the result of inherited genes and you might be at higher risk for developing cancer yourself. 

2. Inform Your Primary Care Physician of Your Family Medical History

Inform your primary care physician of any and all types of cancers that your blood relatives have. Armed with that knowledge, your physician can put an action plan in place to help reduce your chances of developing cancer or catch it in its earliest stages.

This may include performing genetic testing to confirm (or deny) if you have a cancer gene at all.

Physicians can test for the TP53 gene, which produces proteins that help tumors to grow within various parts of the body. They can also check for mutations in the PTEN gene, which helps to minimize tumor growth. Physicians can also test for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which are indicators that you are at increased risk for breast cancer and/or ovarian cancer.  

3. Get Screened More Frequently

Regardless of whether or not you carry a gene that could make you more susceptible to cancer, your physician may recommend that you undergo more frequent tests and screenings.

For example, if breast cancer runs in your family, your physician may suggest that you get two mammograms per year as opposed to the standard recommendation of one per year. If colon cancer runs in your family, your physician may recommend more colonoscopy screenings or encourage you to start getting screened for colon cancer at a younger age than normal.  

There are more treatment options, and more successful treatment options, available when cancers are detected early. If your doctor recommends getting more frequent screenings, follow their advice.

4. Change Your Lifestyle Habits

While most cancers are not genetic, many people make similar lifestyle choices as their family members. Certain lifestyle decisions, such as what you eat, how you exercise, and whether or not you smoke, can affect your likelihood of getting cancer.

Limiting your intake of alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a healthy diet, and exercising on a regular basis can all reduce your risk of cancer.  

5. Establish a Financial Plan to Pay for Medical Expenses

In addition to having a healthy lifestyle plan in place, it’s also important to create a healthy financial plan for yourself and your family. Cancer treatments can be costly, so it’s important to have a high-quality health insurance plan that covers screenings, exams, and different types of treatments.

You should also consider the idea that if you were to develop cancer at some point, you may not be able to work or earn income, at least while undergoing treatments. To ensure that you don’t suffer financial hardship as well, consider getting disability insurance. With disability insurance, you can continue to earn a portion of your income, even if you’re too ill to work.

This guide from Physicians Thrive discusses the top disability insurance companies as well as the many benefits that a disability insurance policy can provide.

In Conclusion

If cancer runs in your family, don’t panic. Instead, talk to your physician. Undergo health screenings and tests. Adopt healthier lifestyle choices that can reduce your risk of getting cancer. Plan for your future, both medically and financially.

Millions of people get diagnosed with cancer every year, and being proactive about your health is the best way to reduce your risk of becoming one of them.