What Is Hereditary Cancer?
Hereditary cancers are caused by genetic mutations passed down in families. Unlike cancers that develop from lifestyle or environmental factors, these mutations increase a woman’s risk of developing certain cancers during her lifetime.
Common Types of Hereditary Cancers in Women
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Breast Cancer – often linked to BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations.
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Ovarian Cancer – strongly associated with hereditary gene changes.
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Uterine (Endometrial) Cancer – sometimes tied to Lynch syndrome.
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Colon Cancer – also linked to Lynch syndrome in women.
Risk Factors
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Multiple relatives with the same or related cancers
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Cancer diagnosed at a young age
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Relatives with more than one type of cancer
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Known genetic mutations in the family
Genetic Testing
Genetic counseling and testing can identify whether a woman carries mutations that increase her risk. These results help guide personalized screening, prevention, and treatment strategies.
Screening and Prevention
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Earlier and more frequent screening (such as mammograms, breast MRI, or colonoscopy)
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Risk-reducing surgeries in some cases (like prophylactic mastectomy or oophorectomy)
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Medication options to reduce risk
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Lifestyle choices such as maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol, and not smoking
Why It Matters
Understanding hereditary cancer risk empowers women to make informed decisions about their health, protect future generations, and work with their care team to lower risk. Dr. Whitney Webber has prepared this informative video explaining hereditary cancer and discussing whether you should consider genetic testing.