Dear Dorothy,
I have recently started paying more attention to my family history, and I have noticed something that is frightening me. Several members of my family have had cancer, although they were diagnosed with different types at different ages.
Now I cannot stop wondering if I am next. Every time I notice something unusual with my body, I immediately think about cancer. I want to be proactive about my health, but I also do not want to spend the rest of my life living in fear.
Should I be worried that cancer runs in my family? Is there anything I can do to know whether I am at greater risk?
-Whitney
Dear Whitney,
It is completely understandable to feel concerned when you notice a pattern of cancer in your family. When several relatives have experienced the disease, it is natural to wonder whether you could be at greater risk.
However, having relatives who have had cancer does not automatically mean that you will develop it. Cancer is common, and many cases are linked to a combination of age, lifestyle, environmental factors and chance rather than an inherited gene.
That said, your family history is worth discussing with a healthcare professional. Try to gather as much information as you can about which relatives had cancer, what type of cancer they had and approximately how old they were when they were diagnosed. This information can help your doctor assess whether your family history suggests a higher inherited risk.
In some families, certain inherited genetic changes can increase the likelihood of particular cancers. If your doctor believes your family history warrants further investigation, they may refer you for genetic counselling or other appropriate assessment.
Most importantly, do not let fear stop you from living your life. Knowing that there may be a risk gives you an opportunity to take sensible steps, not a reason to assume the worst.
Keep up with recommended health checks and screening programmes, pay attention to persistent or unusual changes in your body, and speak to a healthcare professional when you are concerned. You can also focus on the things within your control, such as maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, staying physically active, avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol.
And please remember this: risk is not destiny.
Your family history is a piece of information, not a prediction of your future. Rather than constantly asking yourself, “Will I get cancer?”, ask, “What can I do now to look after my health and understand my risk?”
Knowledge can be frightening when we do not know what to do with it. Used wisely, however, it can become a powerful tool for taking charge of your health.
-Dorothy