The risk of cancer in any family is a very real concern. Although there is no sure way to predict if someone will develop cancer, certain factors can increase the likelihood that it will occur. Depending on your family’s medical history and lifestyle habits, you may be at an increased risk of developing certain types of cancer.
Is there a risk of cancer in your family?
If someone in your family has had cancer or other related diseases, you have what is called a “family history” of the disease. This means that genetic traits may make some members of your family more likely to get the same kind or even different kinds of cancers as those in their families who have already been diagnosed with it. Knowing about these risks can help you take steps to reduce them for yourself and other members of your family.
In general, having several first-degree relatives (such as a parent or sibling) who have had cancer increases your risk compared with someone who does not have a close relative with the disease. But just because one person develops cancer doesn’t necessarily mean that all other people in his/her immediate family are also more likely to develop it; this would depend on their own individual risk factors such as age, gender, lifestyle choices and medical history.
Family history is only one factor when assessing a person’s overall risk for developing various types of cancers; environmental and lifestyle factors play an important role too. For example, smoking cigarettes significantly increases the chance that both men and women could eventually contract lung cancer — regardless if they do or don’t come from a family affected by this type of malignancy (although smokers within an affected line may still be at higher risk). Other activities such as consuming large amounts alcohol over long periods time can contribute to multiple types cancers including throat & mouth, breast & ovarian among others – again regardless if there ever been any cases among their direct relatives beforehand .
It’s important understand that everyone carries risk potential for getting some type tumor due natural aging process – but knowing potential danger signs ahead time certainly helps preventative tactics . These include annual check ups doctor regular screenings mammograms , Pap smears prostate tests depending upon gender age . Additionally following healthy diet exercise routine also greatly reduces chances becoming victim many forms deadly diseases including numerous forms cancers . Proper nutrition physical activity greatly boosts body’s natural defense system illness further reducing odds being affected dreadful condition like malignancy .
Staying informed about health risks associated with various habits behaviors taking proper precautions necessary order avoid dangers becoming victim serious conditions mention above … Taking proactive approach health care maintaining both physical mental well-being should always priority protect oneself against potentially dangerous situation like getting cancer – whether anyone else household gotten before not .