Cancer cells are normal cells which have failed to develop the way they should. As they begin to develop into organ, blood or bone cells, the DNA in the cell's nucleus sends the wrong signals to the cell. Instead of becoming a healthy new cell, it becomes a cancer cell.
Genetics
Since DNA dictates how cells form, cancer runs in families. Each family will pass along the mutated genes which make cell nuclei misfire and create cancer cells. In tracing family history, specific types of cancers and related cancers are easily traced from generation to generation.
Common treatable and survivable cancers (breast, colon, prostate, cervical and skin cancers) are immediately traced through family history. Doctors routinely propose more frequent screenings for those who are predisposed to these cancers
More malignant cancers (leukemia, lymphoma, lung, pancreatic and brain cancers) are pretreated differently. Doctors propose lifestyle changes along with screenings to reduce the environmental risks associate with these cancers.
Environmental Risks
Common environmental risks for cancer include:
- Smoking, snuffing or "dipping" tobacco
- Drinking alcohol
- Poor diet and nutrition
- Unprotected sex and poor sexual health habits
- Working or living with carcinogenic (cancer causing) inhalants such as asbestos, certain manufacturing chemicals and paint
- Continued exposure to carcinogens: insecticides, known cancer-causing agents and radiation-including sun exposure
Skip a Generation
As with all genetic heredity, not everyone in a family will definitely develop cancer. Some family history will help patients break the cycle of cancers in their family lines.
Reducing or eliminating environmental risks can reduce the likelihood of developing a cancer which is prevalent in a family, especially lung, cervical and skin cancers.
There is hope,
Ann Marie
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