Is cancer genetic? A genetics perspective on cancer in young adults
Cancer in young people: Part of a series on diagnosing and treating young adults
Expert takeaways from:
- Terri McHugh, DO, director, Genetics and Risk Assessment Program
- Rachael Brandt, PhD, MS, licensed certified genetic counselor, Genetics and Risk Assessment Program
Most young people don't have cancer on their radar, even if it's in their family tree. One important step young people can take is understanding what cancers are in their family and sharing this information with their healthcare clinician to determine their genetic cancer risk.
Why family history matters
Cancer risk can be inherited
Family history of cancer matters because some types are connected to genes that can be passed down from one generation to the next. For example, Lynch syndrome is an inherited condition that increases the chances of developing:
- Colorectal/gastrointestinal (GI) cancers
- Uterine cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Other cancers
You may have heard about celebrities who found out they have the “BRCA gene” and took actions to prevent cancer. Since this gene is inherited, if someone in your family has breast or ovarian cancer, you and other people in your family could consider genetic testing. A person with either BRCA1 or BRCA2 has a significantly higher lifetime risk of developing these cancers:
- Breast
- Ovarian
- Pancreatic
- Prostate
- Skin
There are other genes that can also increase the chances of developing breast cancer that are linked to other cancer types as well.
Linked to cancer in young adults
When cancer is diagnosed at a young age (50 years or under), it's more likely to have an inherited cause.
Genetic testing for cancer
Why should a young adult genetically test for cancer
Finding out if you have an inherited cancer gene can help because it may qualify you to:
- Begin cancer screenings, such as mammograms or colonoscopies, at a younger age
- Be screened for cancer more often
- Have additional types of screening tests, such as a breast MRI
- Participate in clinical trials
- Take action to prevent a cancer you may inherit
What genetic counseling and testing can tell you
Genetic counseling can be especially valuable. A genetic counselor can help:
- Evaluate your personal and family history to determine risks
- Discuss whether genetic testing is appropriate
- Explain what test results mean
Even if you don't know your biological family history, genetic counseling can help you learn more about your cancer risks and consider whether genetic testing is right for you.
Your genetic testing result determines what to do next. If your test result is:
- Positive then your cancer care can be personalized based on established guidelines
- Negative then a history of cancer in your family may still guide earlier or more frequent cancer screening or intervention
Cost of genetic testing for cancer
Most health insurance plans cover the cost of genetic counseling and testing, especially if you have a family member with cancer. If your insurance doesn't cover genetic testing, the out-of-pocket cost is relatively low.
Testing again due to evolving technology
Genetic testing is not a one-time decision. If you were tested more than five years ago, repeat testing may be recommended because:
- New genes continue to be discovered
- Testing technology has improved
- Previous results may be reclassified
Knowing genetic information can help you and your family be proactive with your healthcare.
Start by talking to your family
Reviewing your personal and family history with a genetic counselor is a good first step. Ask your relatives about what types of cancers they’ve had and how old they were at diagnosis. If you're adopted or can't find your family's health history, genetic counseling can still be helpful to review your personal history and risks.
Call 484.565.GENE (4363) to schedule an appointment with a Main Line Health genetic counselor.
Understanding cancer in young people
Main Line Health's clinicians and care team have additional insights on their approaches to diagnosing, treating and supporting young people with cancer.
Next steps
Meet our genetic counselors
Learn more about the Genetics and Risk Assessment Program
Learn more about cancer care at Main Line Health
Related posts
Jessica's story: Genetic testing revealed risks for breast and colorectal cancer
Jen's story: Genetic testing uncovers link between prostate and breast cancer
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