“ The relationship between cancer and genetics seen”

   

“Is cancer hereditary?” This is one of the most frequently asked questions at hospitals. If you have a family member with cancer, you become anxious and worried that it might be hereditary. What is the actual relationship between cancer and heredity? Let’s dig into the truth based on recent studies. 


Is cancer hereditary? 


To conclude, not all cancers are hereditary. However, some cancers can be influenced by genetic factors. It is known that approximately 5-10% of all cancers are caused by genetic factors. 


For example, breast cancer and ovarian cancer are closely related to mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. If you have a problem with these genes, your risk of developing breast cancer is up to 7-10 times higher than that of the general population. 


If you have a family history, does that mean you will definitely get it? 


No! Just because you have a family history doesn’t mean you will definitely get cancer. Genes are just risk factors, and lifestyle, eating habits, and the environment also have a big impact on the development of cancer. 


For example, even among identical twins with the same genes, one gets cancer while the other lives healthily. This is a representative example of how important acquired factors are.


The latest research tells us a story


In 2024, the US National Cancer Institute (NCI) analyzed 20 years of large-scale data and announced **"The ratio of genes and environment to cancer occurrence"


Genetic factors: Approximately 8-12%

Environmental and lifestyle habits: Approximately 60% or more


In addition, as AI-based genome analysis technology advances, **'precision medicine' that predicts and prevents cancer risk based on an individual's genetic information is being actively studied.


If you have a family member with cancer, consider seeking genetic counseling at a hospital. Even without testing, counseling can help you understand your risk factors and the regular checkups you may need.
Above all, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is key. Quit smoking, eat more vegetables, exercise regularly, and stay consistent with checkups. These habits can be more effective than genetics in preventing cancer.


Reference
  1. National Cancer Institute. “Genetics of Cancer” (2024)
    https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/genetics
  2. American Cancer Society. “Inherited Cancer Syndromes” (2024)
    https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/genetics/inherited-cancer-syndromes.html
  3. Nature Genetics. “Polygenic risk scores in cancer prediction” (2023)
    https://www.nature.com/articles/s41588-023-01315-4

Popular posts from this blog

“ When Your Body Whispers: Early Signs of Cancer to Watch For!”

Image
  Looking in the mirror one morning, I suddenly wondered, “Is this fatigue just from stress?” “Is this weight loss really the result of dieting?” Our bodies sometimes send quiet, yet unmistakable warning signs. If we ignore them, a disease like cancer could quietly take hold. Cancer is not simply a matter of genetics or fate. The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that about 70% of cancer cases are attributed to lifestyle and environmental factors. In other words, the choices we make in our daily lives—our diet, physical activity, alcohol consumption, and smoking habits—have a significant impact on cancer risk. Recently, the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) announced that 40% of all cancer cases are linked to modifiable risk factors. Alcohol consumption, in particular, has been identified as a major contributor to cancers such as breast, colon, and liver cancer. Research shows that even one drink a day can increase the risk of oral cancer by five times a...
Read more

“ Cancer with the highest cure rate in modern medicine“

Image
Many people will feel their hearts sink when they hear the word “cancer.” However, there is also hopeful news. Did you know that thanks to the advancement of modern medicine, there are cancers that have a very high cure rate? Today, I will introduce three types of cancer that have a high possibility of being cured, and I will also talk about actual cases of being cured.   1. Thyroid cancer – Survival rate of over 98% if detected early Thyroid cancer is often called a ‘good cancer’. The reason is because it has a high cure rate. It occurs especially often in women, but if detected early, the survival rate is almost 100%. If you just take hormone medication after surgery, there will be no major inconveniences in your daily life. Actual case: Ms. Kim, a woman in her early 40s, was diagnosed with early-stage thyroid cancer after a detailed examination after discovering a small lump during a health checkup. She underwent surgery right away and was discharged from the hospital after ...
Read more

“Healing Meal Plan for Cancer Patients”

Image
Eating Well After a Cancer Diagnosis: A Gentle, Korean-Inspired Approach After a cancer diagnosis, even something as simple as a meal can feel overwhelming. You may find yourself constantly wondering what’s safe to eat, what to avoid, and how best to nourish your body during recovery. That’s why today, I’d like to introduce a balanced, Korean-style diet tailored to support cancer patients—one that eases the burden on your body while gently supporting your healing process. Choosing the Right Ingredients The key is to keep things gentle and non-irritating. Avoid overly spicy or salty foods, and focus on fresh, seasonal vegetables and clean sources of protein. Here are some particularly beneficial ingredients for cancer patients: Tofu, beans, fish – Gentle sources of protein that are easy on the body Broccoli, spinach, seaweed – Rich in antioxidants and help boost the immune system Brown rice, barley – Packed with dietary fiber to support digestion Perilla oil, ses...
Read more