You may remember stories of your father ’ s military service and your mother ’ s hometown , but how much do you know about your family ’ s medical history ? In particular , do you know whether anyone on your mom or dad ’ s side ever had cancer ?
“ Family history can be one of the first lines of defense in
The first-degree relatives tend to be the most crucial . This is because you share 50 % of your DNA with them . A genetic susceptibility to cancer does not guarantee that you will get cancer , but you have a higher risk . preventing cancer ,” says Dr Huma Q Rana , clinical director of the Centre for Cancer Genetics and Prevention at Harvard-affiliated Dana- Farber Cancer Institute .
“ If you can get a picture of the patterns of cancer on both sides of your family , you can screen for certain cancers more closely and either prevent them or catch them early .” And if you do get cancer , your genetic heritage might provide clues to help your doctor choose targeted therapies to treat it .
All in the family
Your family ’ s cancer history should include your first-degree relatives – father , mother , and siblings – as well as your second-degree relatives , if possible – aunts , uncles , and grandparents . Note what type of cancer occurred , the age at diagnosis , as well as the age at which the person died and the cause of death .
The first-degree relatives tend to be the most crucial . “ This is because you share 50 % of your DNA with them . A genetic susceptibility to cancer does not guarantee that you will get cancer , but you have a higher risk ,” says Dr Rana .
Lifestyle and environmental factors
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