“Cancer” is a word that many fear like fire. It combines a number of pathologies characterized by uncontrolled growth of tumors that threaten the health and lives of patients. Modern science has proven that genes in the human body are also responsible for the development of the corresponding problem. Timely testing for cancer predisposition makes it possible to assess potential risks of disease and, if necessary, select adequate preventive treatment.
"MedProsvet" is a multidisciplinary clinic where patients have access to a wide range of genetic studies that allow them to assess their predisposition to oncological diseases.
How to check for hereditary predisposition to cancer?
The human body always contains suppressor genes (“good” genes) for tumor development and oncogenes (initiators of the tumor process). The first (BRCA1, BRCA2, p53) regularly “scan” the body to identify mutated cells with the aim of destroying them. The latter (HER2/neu, ras) are responsible for the processes of division of the simplest structures in the body. When the function of suppressors or oncogenes is disrupted, adaptation is disrupted, which is accompanied by a loss of control over cell differentiation. The result is uncontrolled growth of tumors.
Cancer susceptibility genes can be found in the DNA of even healthy people. Their identification makes it possible to predict the risk of developing the corresponding disease, which helps to develop an adequate scheme for its prevention and future treatment.
Carrying out genetic research recommended in the following situations:
- cancer in close relatives, especially if the same type of malignant neoplasm constantly develops;
- tumor growth in patients under 50 years of age;
- relapses of the tumor process in the same patient.
It is important to consider that positive results for certain genes do not mean that the disease will necessarily occur. After an appropriate examination, consultation with a geneticist is required.
What is the essence of tests for genetic predisposition to cancer?
How to find out your predisposition to cancer? To do this, you need to contact the appropriate laboratory and take the necessary tests. The essence of diagnostics is to assess the state of a particular patient’s genetic material (DNA and RNA), individual chromosomes, and peptides.
Specialized equipment automatically analyzes individual sections of the relevant structures and calculates a prognosis for the development of the oncological process. On this moment There are already more than 700 different tests that make it possible to diagnose the presence of malignant neoplasms of almost any organ (breast, liver, intestines, prostate, etc.) in the patient’s body and predict the possibility of their progression.
Where can I get tested for a predisposition to cancer?
At the modern multidisciplinary medical center MedProsvet, patients have access to a wide range of tests for genetic predisposition to cancer. Affordable prices, highly informative diagnostics and a wide range of tests are the key advantages of the clinic.
You can take blood tests to determine your predisposition to cancer without an appointment every day:
- Mon-Sat: 08:30–13:00 (first pick-up), 13:00–17:00 (second pick-up)
- Sun: 09:30—14:00.
To receive test results by email, you must leave written consent for sending with the administrators of the medical center.
Prices for services
General price list for the direction
Pre-registration for the service
Malignant neoplasms occupy the second position in the list of the most common causes of mortality, second only to diseases of the cardiovascular system. Despite the dissemination of information about the prevention of tumor pathology, the incidence of malignant neoplasms from year to year not only does not decrease, but also increases. At the same time, patients often seek medical care in advanced stages of tumor development, when radical surgical treatment becomes impossible. That is why doctors around the world pay great attention to determining such a factor as hereditary predisposition to cancer. Identification of developmental risk factors and the formation of groups of people subject to closer medical supervision can play a big role in improving the efficiency of medical care. This tactic will allow you to identify the tumor at early stages development and take all necessary measures to suppress the pathological process.
Risk factors
Predisposition to cancer can increase various risk factors.
Chemical carcinogens– the likelihood of developing neoplasms can be increased by professional or household contact with solvents, paints, pesticides, asbestos, alcohols and other highly active compounds.
Physical carcinogens– this group primarily includes ultraviolet radiation, significantly increasing the likelihood of occurrence. Exposure during X-ray and radioisotope studies, living in areas contaminated with radioactive substances also increases the susceptibility to oncological pathology.
Biological carcinogens– this group includes various viruses and bacteria that can change the genetic information of a cell. Among the biological causes of cancer development, one can mention the influence of the body’s natural hormones on the development of tumors of hormone-dependent organs. Thus, an increased concentration of estrogen increases the predisposition to, an increase in testosterone content contributes to the occurrence of malignant processes in.
Hereditary predisposition to cancer
It has long been known that genetic predisposition to cancer. Genes are individual sections of a cell's genetic information, consisting of nucleic acids. All the information necessary for the development of the body is read from them. Some genes control the development of internal organs, others determine the color of a person's hair and eyes, etc. Each of the cells human body contains more than 30 thousand genes encoding the synthesis of certain proteins.
Genes are part of special cell bodies - chromosomes. Normally, each cell of the body contains 23 pairs of chromosomes. At conception, the child receives half of the chromosome set from the mother and father. Along with the necessary genes, mutations can also be passed on to the baby. Such changes in genetic information lead to improper synthesis of proteins, which can become dangerous. The greatest danger is posed by changes in suppressor genes and oncogenes. The former respond in the body to protecting DNA molecules from damage, while the latter control the process of cell division. Mutated genes can interact in unpredictable ways with environmental influences, leading to the development of malignant neoplasms.
Genetic testing
To assess the degree of hereditary predisposition to cancer, it is important to carefully study your family history. In this case, close attention should be paid to the following factors:
- development of tumor diseases before the age of 50 years;
- the occurrence of tumors of the same type in relatives in several generations;
- cases of repeated development of oncological pathology in the same relative.
It is best to discuss the results of studying the medical history of relatives with a qualified medical geneticist. Genetic counseling will help determine whether it is necessary in this case. cancer predisposition test. In this case, you need to weigh the pros and cons of conducting the study. On this side, genetic testing will make it possible to determine the likelihood of the occurrence of one or another type of tumor, on the other hand, it can contribute to the emergence of unfounded fears, the development of an inadequate attitude towards one’s health and the emergence of cancerophobia.
Currently, molecular genetic testing is being performed to determine hereditary predisposition to cancer. It allows you to identify some mutations in suppressor genes and oncogenes, indicating a higher risk of cancer. If a predisposition to cancer is detected, the patient is recommended to undergo regular monitoring by specialists who can identify the tumor in the early stages of development. In some cases, for example, when breast cancer risk genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 are identified, preventive organ removal may be recommended.
Cancer Prevention
Even if an increased tendency to develop cancer is identified, each person has opportunities to prevent the appearance of malignant tumors. To do this you need to follow simple rules:
- stop smoking;
- organize healthy eating with a sufficient amount of vegetables and fruits, a minimum content of animal fats;
- avoid drinking alcohol;
- maintain normal body weight;
- regularly give your body physical activity;
- protect your skin from direct sunlight;
- do not refuse vaccinations;
- undergo regular preventive examinations;
- Seek medical help in case of any problems in the body.
Attentive and careful attitude to your health is the key to reducing the risk of developing cancer.
Genetic predisposition to cancer is one of the theories of the occurrence of malignant neoplasms. Science does not name the exact reasons why oncology appears, but it gives a combination of exogenous and endogenous factors that affect the risk of developing cancer in a particular person. To assess the likelihood of a tumor, a special molecular genetic analysis is performed.
Causes of cancer
In oncology, there is no single theory for the appearance of atypical cells in the body, but there are risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing neoplasia:
- contact with carcinogenic substances;
- radiation exposure;
- protracted chronic inflammatory diseases;
- oncoviruses;
- hormonal disorders;
- nicotine.
The journal “Modern Oncology” in 2017 published research results confirming that in 5-7% of cancer patients the etiological factor in the onset of the disease is genetic disorders.
Heredity
Countless studies of genes in oncology have proven that the tendency to cancer is inherited. A genetic predisposition to cancer has been proven through long-term clinical examinations. Research has found that it is possible to transmit a tendency to ovarian development from mother to daughter. This occurs at the chromosomal level, and the disease can only occur in blood relatives. There are 2 main factors that take part in the development of a tumor:
- Oncogenes. They are formed from proto-oncogenes, which in a healthy person regulate the speed and frequency of cell division. The development of the mutation leads to uncontrolled mitosis (cell division) and the emergence of atypical, poorly differentiated tissues, which form an area of neoplasia.
- Suppressor genes. Normally, the degree of cell growth and development is controlled. When the normal functioning of these genes is disrupted and their properties change, they cease their inhibitory effect and proliferative processes occur randomly.
Cancer and heredity are related. For example, a family may have a mutation in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes due to cancer in the breast or ovaries. The theory of predisposition to malignant diseases has been and remains dominant, since its effect has been proven at the molecular level. It has been proven that in “cancer families” the prevalence of malignant neoplasms is 40%.
Predisposition test
Who needs to do it?
Daughters whose mothers had breast cancer, as well as sons whose fathers had prostate pathology, are predisposed to cancer. - Daughters under 30 years of age if their mothers have tumors of the breast, uterus or ovaries. To plan pregnancy and preserve women's health, you need to conduct an analysis and find out your predisposition so as not to miss a tumor.
- For men with prostate dysfunction, chronic prostatitis or prostate adenoma. Cancer is transmitted not only from the father, but also from an uncle or grandfather, whose health characteristics a man may not be aware of. Therefore, it is better to be examined and know the likelihood of developing a neoplasm.
- Neoplasia of any location and type requires the identification of mutant genes in the genetic material of cells of closest relatives.
If a person has no data on family diseases and a predisposition to malignant neoplasms, this is not a contraindication. You can conduct an examination for preventive purposes. The negative side is the high cost of analysis. But despite this, determining the likelihood of cancerous changes can protect the patient from serious consequences.
Carrying out
Genetic testing for cancer involves examining the RNA or DNA of cells and isolating chromosomes to identify a defective gene or other tumor-specific changes. The material for identifying predisposition is blood or buccal epithelium. The use of blood has a more accurate result and higher specificity.
Knowledge of family diseases simplifies the study, otherwise it is necessary to carry out a full range of tests. First of all, you need to decide which cancer to test for. Highlight different types cancer, which is inherited, so it is important to know the history. An in-depth study of family history and family tree will help with this. Identifying tumor changes in a specific location or type and in someone in the family greatly simplifies the examination. If such data is not available, a whole range of predisposition tests must be carried out.
Thank you
The site provides background information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases must be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Consultation with a specialist is required!
Cancer called a malignant formation formed from epithelial cells. In medical circles, the disease is called carcinoma. This name for the tumor was given by Hippocrates, since she appearance looks like a crab.Hereditary predisposition
Today, no one doubts the presence of a genetic predisposition to cancer. According to some estimates, between five and seven percent of cancer cases are genetically determined.Among doctors there is even such a term: “ cancer families" In such families, at least forty percent of blood relatives have suffered cancer. Some other hereditary diseases are good soil for the development of oncology. Today, geneticists know almost all the genes responsible for the appearance of cancer tumors. Therefore, even theoretically, during a consultation with a geneticist, it is possible to detect carriers of the “cancer gene” in children and grandchildren.
Unfortunately, molecular genetics methods are quite expensive, so it is currently impossible to use them widely. Therefore, the main method of work of a geneticist is pedigrees.
Not in all cases, genetic predisposition provokes the development of cancer. If you follow preventive measures, cancer can most likely be prevented.
First of all, a person must realize that he is at risk due to a hereditary factor. Therefore, it is very important to receive competent advice from a specialist on lifestyle and professional activities that will help prevent the onset of the disease.
For example, people with a hereditary predisposition to skin cancer should not stay in the sun for long periods of time. In this way, the appearance of a tumor can be prevented.
Another important method of prevention familial cancer is to identify tumors at an early stage. Dutch scientists, for example, advise all people who have blood relatives with cancer to be examined once every two years.
For different forms of cancer and for different ages of patients, the intervals between examinations may be longer or shorter. But in any case, the most optimal period is 12 months.
Forms of cancer according to the nature of inheritance
1.
A gene that causes a specific form of cancer is inherited.
2.
A gene is inherited that increases the likelihood of the disease,
3.
The disease can develop if several traits are inherited at the same time.
Despite the fact that science today knows about five dozen hereditary forms of cancer, the most common among them are malignant neoplasms:
- large intestine,
- Malignant melanoma,
- Acute leukemia.
Stomach cancer
Among all forms of carcinomas, gastric carcinoma occupies one of the leading places. Every year, about 800 thousand new patients and six hundred thirty thousand deaths are detected in the world. Moreover, about 10% of diseases are family diseases. More often the disease is registered in people after 50 years. Since a hereditary factor is only one of many, to prevent stomach cancer it is necessary to eliminate the maximum number of such factors from your life.
Illiterate nutrition
This is one of the main factors causing gastric carcinoma. The abundance of smoked foods, pickles, dried foods, and foods containing large amounts of nitrates in the diet leads to the accumulation of nitrites in the digestive organs, substances that cause the growth of a malignant tumor. Poor content of plant fiber in the diet ( fruits, vegetables), as well as vitamins C, A and E, increases the likelihood of getting sick.
Drinking large quantities of alcohol (more related to strong drinks) adversely affects the condition of the gastric mucosa and increases the likelihood of cancer.
Chronic stomach diseases
Chronic atrophic gastritis most often leads to carcinoma. During the course of this disease, the gastric mucosa gradually becomes similar in structure to the intestinal mucosa. The disease lasts for years and often occurs due to infection Helicobacter pylori.
Stomach polyps are benign neoplasms. But sometimes they degenerate into malignant ones. Therefore, doctors recommend removing them.
Gastric resection also creates conditions for the development of carcinoma. Such patients are three times more likely to develop stomach cancer.
A stomach ulcer increases the likelihood of carcinoma by one and a half to two times.
Familial diffuse polyposis of the colon. The disease is hereditary and congenital. Half of the patients develop polyps not only in the intestines, but also in the stomach. And they malignize quite easily ( become malignant).
Hypertrophic gastropathy - with this disease, the folds of the mucous membrane become thicker, and the likelihood of gastric carcinoma increases.
What to do?
- Minimize the share of smoked foods, pickles, and sausages.
- Increase the proportion of vegetables, fruits and fiber. A balanced diet with sufficient amounts of all elements.
- Quit smoking and drinking alcohol.
- Visit a gastroenterologist in a timely manner and treat stomach polyps and other chronic diseases.
- People over 45 years old should have their stomach examined annually, even if they feel well.
Mammary cancer
The likelihood of developing breast carcinoma is higher in women whose mothers had soft tissue sarcoma or breast carcinoma. In only 7.5% of women, breast carcinoma is a consequence of genetic predisposition. There are three known genes whose presence increases the likelihood of breast carcinoma. Even if one of the parents has one of the affected genes, the chance of their children getting it is 50%.
The risk of developing carcinoma increases if:
- One of your relatives has been diagnosed with malignant tumors of both glands,
- Carcinomas were detected in relatives before the age of 40 years,
- Have any of your family members had ovarian carcinoma?
- Have any of your relatives had cancer in childhood?
- Do you have any male relatives who have had breast carcinoma?
- The person belongs to an ethnic group in which this disease occurs more often,
- A woman under 30 years of age underwent irradiation of the mammary glands,
- The woman did not give birth
- The first birth occurred after the age of 35,
- Breastfeeding period is too short,
- Beginning of first menstruation before age 12
- A woman is overweight during menopause.
- Visit a mammologist and gynecologist once every 6 months,
- Once every 12 months, take a blood test for tumor markers,
- Give birth to your first child before the age of 35, preferably two or even three, breastfeed them for as long as possible,
- Reduce the proportion of animal fats, smoked, fried, salted,
- Do physical education,
- If possible, monitor your weight and try not to gain excess weight,
- Drink alcohol as little as possible. After all, even small amounts of alcohol increase the risk of developing carcinoma by half,
- Protect the mammary glands from injury,
- Monitor the content of vitamin D in the diet; its lack can also provoke the growth of malignant cells,
- Try to avoid stress and negative emotions.
Ovarian cancer
Genetic predisposition to the development of ovarian carcinoma is determined by the same genes as the predisposition to breast carcinoma. Healthy genes suppress development cancer cells, producing special proteins that reduce the rate of cell growth. If the gene is mutated, its protective function is impaired, and the likelihood of developing carcinoma increases. When a gene mutation BRCA 1 the risk of ovarian carcinoma increases by an average of 50%. If the gene mutates BRCA 2 , then the probability of disease increases by an average of 20%. When a gene mutation PTEN a woman develops Cowden's syndrome, which combines carcinoma of the breast, thyroid gland and a predisposition to ovarian tumors.
We can say that the determining influence of any factors in the development of ovarian carcinoma has not yet been proven. Therefore, the prevention of this disease is a rather complex and controversial issue. There are several methods to reduce the risk of the disease. The methods listed below affect the likelihood of getting sick to varying degrees. Some of them are more accessible, some less so. However, if there is a serious threat of familial cancer, you should discuss these methods with your doctor.
Oral contraceptives
They reduce the likelihood of developing the disease by half if the medications have been taken for 5 years or longer.
Surgical interventions
Removal of the uterus or ligation of the fallopian tubes reduces the likelihood of ovarian carcinoma. But such procedures are prescribed only when the patient’s life is threatened, and not at all for preventive purposes.
Such operations are recommended only in cases where the family really belongs to “cancer” and the disease already needs to be treated.
In addition, if a woman has reached menopause and there is a high probability of developing carcinoma. In any case, such an operation can only be discussed after 40 years.
Analgesics
According to some insufficiently verified data, the use of aspirin and paracetamol may reduce the likelihood of developing ovarian carcinoma. These medications should not be taken solely as cancer prevention.
Factors that increase the likelihood of disease:
- Age after menopause
- Excess weight. Body mass index above 30,
- Taking certain drugs to treat infertility ( clomiphene citrate),
- Lack of productive pregnancies and breastfeeding,
- Taking male sex hormones ( danazol and other androgens),
- Replacement therapy during menopause for 5–10 years. When consuming estrogen and progesterone at the same time, the risk of the disease decreases,
- Breast cancer in the patient herself,
- Using talc powder
- High percentage of fat in the diet,
- Alcohol abuse.
Lungs' cancer
Lung carcinoma is one of the most “mysterious” and at the same time common types of cancer. Until now, scientists cannot clearly list the factors influencing the development of this disease. Scientists are unanimous on one thing: smoking actually causes malignant degeneration of lung tissue. Although this disease is not hereditary, nevertheless, a predisposition to it can be inherited. But even here, not everything is clear. The genes responsible for the disease have not yet been identified.
If there really are several blood relatives in the family who suffer from a malignant lung tumor, the rest should think about prevention.
Risk factors:
- Male ( men get sick six times more often than women),
- Age from 50 years and above,
- The presence of carcinoma of another localization,
- Smoking,
- Poor ecology, including air pollution from car exhaust.
- Quit smoking, try not to be in a room where people smoke,
- Change your place of residence to a more environmentally friendly one,
- Do not work in smoke-contaminated areas,
- Periodically undergo special examinations in order to timely detect the disease.
It is easier to quit smoking if you replace cigarettes with another type of nicotine, for example: patch, chewing gum, lozenges or inhalations.
The doctor can create an individual smoking cessation plan that takes into account all individual characteristics. An important point in giving up nicotine is the presence of distracting maneuvers: for example, chewing a slice of dried fruit or gum at a time when you might want to smoke. You can go brush your teeth. It's important to keep busy. Anything that reminds you of smoking should be thrown out of the house: pipes, ashtrays and lighters. You need to tell all your friends that you are going to quit smoking and ask for their help.
Unfortunately, a person who quits smoking is much more likely to develop lung carcinoma than someone who has never smoked a cigarette.
Uterine cancer
This is a very common disease among women, most often striking between the ages of 40 and 60 years. A hereditary form of uterine body carcinoma can develop due to gene mutations MSH6 And MLH1 . In the presence of such mutations, the likelihood of the disease increases by an average of 50%. Mutations in these genes can also lead to colon carcinoma.
Other risk factors:
- Increased body weight. If your weight increases by 10–25 kg, the likelihood of developing the disease increases threefold,
- Smoking,
- Long period of menstruation. Menstruation begins before age 12 and ends after age 50.
- Irregular menstruation
- Increased amount of fat in the menu,
- Age over 55 years old,
- Having breast or ovarian cancer
- Lack of pregnancy and childbirth,
- Childbirth at an early age
- Use of hormonal contraceptives,
- The presence of chronic gynecological diseases: erosions, polyps, leukoplakia, endometritis,
- Promiscuous sexual intercourse.
- Normalize body weight,
- Don't start diabetes
- Adjust the diet by increasing the proportion of vegetables and fruits in it,
- Lead a healthy lifestyle and exercise,
- Give birth to at least 2 children on time,
- After 30 years, visit a gynecologist twice a year,
- Do not neglect gynecological diseases and be sure to treat them,
- Reduce the influence of carcinogenic factors on the body.
Colon cancer
IN developed countries This type of neoplasm takes first place in the number of deaths and new cases. Representatives of both sexes aged 50 years and older are susceptible to it. Most often, a malignant neoplasm is formed from benign polyps. The vast majority of patients consume large amounts of red meat and animal fats. All cases of colon carcinoma are divided into familial and sporadic. Familial cases account for approximately 15% of the total. Most often, the patient carries the mutated gene for a long time without any negative consequences. But exposure to carcinogenic environmental factors provokes the development of the disease. Environmental factors can also cause mutation of healthy genes, which happens in most cases. In the nineties of the twentieth century, genes were discovered whose mutation creates favorable conditions for the development of colon carcinoma.
Other risk factors:
- Age from 40 years and above,
- Oncological diseases of the genital organs ( especially in women),
- Inflammatory process in the mucous membrane of the large intestine,
- Cancer patients among blood relatives,
- A diet containing a large amount of meat and a small amount of fiber.
What to do?
All preventive methods in this case are divided into primary and secondary.
Primary
– detection and removal of factors provoking the disease and control of gene mutation. This group of methods is not effective and even moreover, it is practically impossible to implement the listed methods.
Secondary prevention
consists in detecting polyps that in the future degenerate into cancerous tumors and tumors at a stage when they can still be eliminated without harm to the body as a whole. Therefore, people with a family history of colon carcinoma are highly recommended to undergo periodic screening and removal of polyps.
In addition, increasing fiber in the diet, according to some data, can also reduce the likelihood of disease.
Rectal cancer
One hundred and fifty thousand cases of this disease are detected annually in the United States alone. It mainly affects people over 50 years of age. The main predisposing factor to the development of the disease is hereditary intestinal polyposis, as well as nonspecific ulcerative colitis. Hereditary polyposis syndrome increases the likelihood of the disease three to five times, and if the disease is not treated, by the age of forty it causes the development of carcinoma in almost one hundred percent of cases. Most cases of carcinoma in patients under the age of fifty are due to hereditary factors.
Other risk factors:
- Diet with plenty of meat
- Age from 60 years,
- Smoking increases the risk of disease and death by 35%,
- Sedentary lifestyle,
- Infection with certain viruses ( HPV),
- Alcohol abuse
- Work in asbestos production, as well as in woodworking plants,
- Colon adenoma,
- Immunodeficiency,
- History of colon or genital cancer.
- For preventive purposes, take vitamin B6. According to some data, it prevents the development of intestinal carcinoma,
- Lead a healthy lifestyle and exercise,
- Change your diet: introduce more fish, vegetables and fruits, reduce the proportion of red meat and fats, in addition, the diet should ensure regular bowel movements,
- Give up bad habits
- According to some data, taking vitamins A, C, E and group B are associated with carcinogens in the intestines,
- If you have polyps, hemorrhoids or rectal ulcers, you should visit a proctologist once every 12 months.
Prostate cancer
Prostate carcinoma kills the most men of all cancers. Scientists have calculated that every tenth healthy man alive today will develop prostate cancer and three out of these ten will die from prostate carcinoma. Statistics for prostate carcinoma are practically no different from statistics for other types of cancer. Ten percent of cases are due to heredity. Among men under 55 years of age, half have a hereditary form of prostate carcinoma.
Some time ago it was believed that hereditary carcinoma was more difficult to cure, but recently Israeli scientists proved that the “familial nature” of the disease does not worsen the prognosis for patients. They are cured with the same success as other patients. The likelihood of developing prostate carcinoma doubles if you have blood relatives with the disease.
Risk factors in order of importance:
- Age-related changes in the body,
- Imbalance of nutrients in the diet ( an abundance of fatty foods, smoking, dairy products, meat, fried and fast food),
- Chronic cadmium poisoning,
- Sedentary lifestyle,
- According to some data, a lack of vitamin D in the diet may create favorable conditions for the development of the disease,
- The presence of chronic urogenital infections.
- Lead a healthy lifestyle,
- Adjust your diet and avoid the above foods as much as possible,
- Do physical education,
- Do not change sexual partners frequently,
- After 40 years, visit a urologist once every 6 months,
- After consulting with your doctor, take courses of vitamin D.
1. Fat in the diet should be no more than 20% nutritionally.
2. Eat foods rich in vitamin E or take it as a supplement, 800 IU per day.
3. To eat soy products or soy powder. Substances found in soy suppress the growth of malignant tumors.
4. Take selenium as a dietary supplement or eat foods rich in selenium.
5. There are tomatoes that have passed heat treatment. They contain a high content of lycopene, which helps prevent cancer.
Skin cancer
There may be a hereditary predisposition to skin cancer. Scientists from Australia recently conducted a large-scale study involving twins, proving that people whose blood relatives have skin cancer are more likely to get the disease than the average population. American researchers from California went even further and found that those people whose relatives had a malignant tumor on an open area of the body: hands, face are at greater risk.
Caution should also be exercised if there are multiple cases of albinism or xeroderma pigmentosum in the family.
Other risk factors:
- Frequent contact with arsenic, nicotine, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons ( released when burning various wastes),
- HPV infection,
- Excessive ultraviolet irradiation
- Frequent thermal burns,
- Traumatization of the skin in the same places, including those associated with the presence of skin diseases.
- Protect skin from ultraviolet radiation,
- Protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses,
- Treat everything chronic diseases, including dermatological,
- Choose cosmetics carefully ( taking into account the possibility of the presence of toxic substances in it),
- If you have moles and birthmarks on your body, be sure to see a doctor in order to identify potentially dangerous ones that are prone to malignancy.
Laryngeal cancer
Men suffer from this disease nine times more often than women. Most patients with this diagnosis are men aged 40 to 70 years. The upper parts of the larynx are most often affected. Despite the fact that there is very little information about hereditary predisposition to this type of disease, doctors do not exclude its possibility. Risk factors:
- Long-term smoking. Men who smoke pipes are especially susceptible to this type of cancer. This is due to the fact that cigarettes contain light tobacco, which emits smoke that penetrates into the most distant and small bronchioles, so lung carcinoma is more likely to develop from cigarettes. But pipe tobacco does not have such penetrating ability, and most of the tars settle in the mouth and throat,
- Alcohol abuse
- Hereditary predisposition
- human papillomavirus,
- The presence of leukoplakia, pachyderma, cysts of the laryngeal ventricles, as well as chronic foci of inflammation,
- Lack of vitamins and minerals in the diet,
- Frequent inhalation of metal dust, radioactive dust, chemical reagents,
- Belonging to the Negroid race,
- History of a malignant tumor.
What to do?
- To give up smoking,
- Quitting drinking alcohol
- When working in hazardous industries, undergo periodic examinations,
- Move to live from city to village ( Rural residents are less likely to suffer from this disease).
Liver cancer
Representatives of the stronger sex are more predisposed to this disease. There is one woman for every four sick men. Moreover, primary malignant liver tumor makes up no more than one percent of all cases. In most cases, these are metastases from other organs or degeneration of an organ against the background of cirrhosis ( in 90% of cases).Hereditary predisposition to this disease no doubt. It is known that a number of hereditary diseases, for example, hemochromatosis, are a good basis for malignant degeneration of the liver. Therefore, in the presence of familial hemochromatosis, it is necessary to examine all newborns for the presence of this disease.
There are no specific methods for preventing leukemia. However, people who have blood relatives suffering from this disease should be periodically examined by a hematologist and know the signs of this disease in order to detect it in time. If treatment is started in a timely manner, the prognosis is good. Leukemia can also be treated well in children.
A consultation with a hematologist may be necessary if you experience the following symptoms:
- Pallor of the skin,
- Weakness, lethargy and decreased ability to work,
- Reducing body weight,
- Indifference to food
- Bleeding gums, tendency to bruise.
Esophageal carcinoma
Of all diseases, cancer affects the esophagus most often. Out of one hundred thousand residents, an average of 8 people suffer from it. Moreover, representatives of the stronger sex are more susceptible to the disease. They are 2-3 times more likely to get sick. The danger of the disease lies in the fact that in the early stages the tumors metastasize. But there are no symptoms of the disease until the tumor begins to cover half or two-thirds of the internal diameter of the esophagus and interfere with the swallowing of food. This is why people with a family history of esophageal cancer should be screened promptly. This will allow you to detect the disease in the early stages and stop it in time.
Risk factors:
- Age from 50 years,
- Heredity,
- Addiction to too hot, cold, spicy, pickled and hard foods,
- Alcohol abuse
- Smoking and chewing tobacco,
- Chronic processes: peptic ulcers, burns, cardiospasm, reflux esophagitis, diverticulosis.
What to do?
- Stop smoking
- Give up alcohol
- Reduce the proportion of food that injures the esophageal mucosa,
- Increase the share of fresh fruits and vegetables in the diet,
- If you have precancerous conditions, register with a doctor and undergo timely examinations and treatment.
Prevention with herbs
1. Horsetail 15 grams, knotweed 8 grams, nettle 10 grams, St. John's wort 6 grams. Mix everything well and brew a teaspoon of herbs with 150 ml of boiling water. Leave for 10 minutes, pass through a sieve. Brew the used raw materials with 300 ml of boiling water and keep on fire for 10 minutes, then strain and mix with the first infusion. Drink 150 ml three times a day before meals for 3 weeks.2. Finely chop the fresh leaves of red geranium, pour 12 tablespoons of the raw material into 150 ml of boiling water, hold for 10 minutes. Use a little per day.
3. Take the same amount of mistletoe, chamomile, celandine and rosea catharanthus, mix. 1 tbsp. l. pour a glass of boiling water over the raw materials. Let it brew, drink a quarter glass 60 minutes before meals. This collection should be alternated with the following: calendula, yarrow, Maryin root, dandelion and bergenia root, fireweed flowers. Prepare the same as the previous one. Drink: first in the morning, second at lunch, and alternate so on.
4. Mix equal amounts of buckwheat flowers, borage, agrimony, lungwort and yarutka. Brew 2 tablespoons of the mixture with 300 ml of boiling water, put on fire until it boils, hold for 10 minutes on low heat. Stand for 2 hours and pass through a sieve. Use daily, dividing into three to four equal portions. Consume before meals.
5. Finely chop equal amounts of berries 10. 1 tsp. dry oregano pour 200 ml of boiling water, hold for twenty minutes, strain. Drink 100 ml three times - four times a day, twenty minutes before meals. Prohibited during pregnancy.
11. Alcohol tincture Drink 15-20 drops of calendula three times a day, dilute with a small amount of water. You can make a water infusion: 10 g. dry raw materials, brew 100 ml of boiling water, keep in a thermos for 2 hours. Take a tablespoon two or three times a day.
12. 1 tbsp. herbs and coltsfoot flowers, brew 200 ml of boiling water, hold for half an hour. Use 1 tbsp. four to five times a day. Drink half a glass twice - four times a day.
13. Pour vodka over the pine nut shells until they are covered, seal and keep in the pantry for 10 days. Drink 1 teaspoon three times a day.
14. Take in equal parts: birch leaf, mistletoe, thyme, initial cap, tansy, cocklebur, licorice root, strawberry leaf, chamomile, tartar, rosehip, chokeberry, celandine, blackberry, St. John's wort, oregano, currant leaf, mint, lemon balm, oats, flax , knotweed, elderberry, nettle, horsetail, Rhodiola rosea, bean pods, aralia, salep, cinquefoil, maral root, lemongrass and kirkazon. Grind everything and mix well. 2 tbsp. collection, brew 400 ml of boiling water, keep on low heat until boiling and another 3 minutes. Leave for 60 minutes, pass through a sieve and drink 100 ml four times a day on an empty stomach.
Food
CarrotBeta-carotene, which is part of it, prevents cancer of the larynx, lungs, intestines, breasts and prostate. In addition, carrots contain falcarinol, a pesticide of natural origin that suppresses the development of malignant tumors. Useful both whole and in the form of juices. For prevention, one medium-sized carrot per day is enough.
Apples
It is absolutely known that eating apples every day reduces the likelihood of developing bowel cancer. Apples contain the substance anthocyanin. The amount of anthocyanin corresponding to its content in three fruits is enough to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer by 38%. In addition, apples are rich in vitamin C, a strong antioxidant.
Blueberry
These berries contain a strong antioxidant, pterostilbene, which prevents malignant intestinal tumors. The presence of this substance in the diet reduces the likelihood of developing the disease by 58%. A handful of blueberries a day will be enough.
Onion
Onions contain a high content of bioflavonoids - substances that suppress free radicals. The angrier the onion, the more effective its use.
Avocado
This is a storehouse of antioxidants that prevent cell destruction by free radicals. In addition, avocado contains beta-carotene and potassium.
Cabbage
This vegetable prevents the development of intestinal and breast cancer. It contains the substance folate, which has a beneficial effect on the condition of intestinal cells. And to prevent breast cancer, you should eat different types of cabbage containing different types of antioxidants. The combination of these antioxidants is called among experts 13C
. The combination is so effective that it is used not only for prevention, but also for the treatment of cancer in combination with chemotherapy. Of course, a dose of antioxidants contained in a few heads of cabbage is needed for treatment. However, as a preventive measure, even a plate of salad a day will be beneficial.
Broccoli
It contains a lot of glucosinolates - substances that until recently were considered toxins. Today, nutritionists claim that these substances suppress cancer cells and enhance the immune system against pathogenic agents.
According to American and French scientists, three to four servings of broccoli per week will be enough for prevention. The healthiest way to cook broccoli is steaming. When purchasing, it is better to pay attention to softer heads. They contain content active ingredients higher.
Watercress
This salad contains high levels of beta-carotene and lutein - substances that actively prevent cell malignancy. Simply an irreplaceable product for smokers. 90 grams of watercress per day is enough.
Chilli
Capsaicin, which is included in it, prevents the malignancy of cells and destroys the mitochondria of existing malignant cells. But in large quantities can itself provoke malignant tumors of the esophagus and intestines.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes contain the substance lycopene, one of the most powerful antioxidants, which reduces the likelihood of developing tumors of the lungs, bladder, breast, intestines and prostate by binding free radicals. Tomatoes have a high level ascorbic acid. The combination of broccoli and tomatoes is very effective for the prevention and treatment of cancer. The most effective dose of lycopene is only 22 milligrams, that is, 2 teaspoons of tomato paste per day. The effect of lycopene that has undergone heat treatment is stronger.
Garlic
Suppresses the activity of carcinogens and prevents their penetration into the body's cells. Even with an existing tumor, its development is inhibited. Garlic is useful both as a food additive and in the form of alcohol infusions.
Green tea
Prevents the development of cancer of the esophagus, skin, intestines, pancreas, stomach, bladder, breast and prostate. Green tea contains polyphenols, which are strong antioxidants. According to some data, polyphenols impair the blood supply to altered cells. Besides, green tea inhibits the synthesis of a special type of protein necessary for cancer cells. For prevention, you should drink at least 5 cups of tea per day.
Rosemary
Useful for preventing breast cancer. Rosemary is very effective as a fresh seasoning for dishes and salads.
Seaweed
Includes vitamin B12, beta-carotene, chlorophyll, fatty acids that prevent the development of breast cancer.
Turmeric
It does not directly affect malignant cells, but the mechanisms leading to their appearance. In particular, it inhibits the production of enzymes involved in intestinal inflammation.
Drugs
Doctors do not advise self-prescribing medications to prevent cancer. But some drugs actually have the ability to suppress the development of cancer cells as a side effect.1.
Aspirin. According to some information, it reduces the likelihood of developing lung, breast, stomach, and intestinal cancer.
2.
Ibuprofen, sulindac, piroxicam. Reduces the likelihood of developing colon cancer.
3.
Calcium preparations ( calcium gluconate, calcium glycerophosphate, calcium carbonate, calcium lactate, calcium chloride)
prevent increased growth of cells in the intestinal mucosa, therefore preventing polyps and malignant neoplasms.
4.
Proscar ( finasteride)
– used for the treatment of adenoma and prostate cancer, it can also be used as a prophylaxis.
5.
Statins– drugs that reduce the amount of cholesterol in the blood. According to American scientists, postmenopausal women reduce the likelihood of developing breast carcinoma if taken for a long enough time ( more than 5 years).
6.
Vitamins C, E, A, D, B6, B3.
Since all the drugs listed above ( except vitamins) have and side effects, you should not take them without consulting your doctor.
Malignant tumors are the second most common cause of death in the world. Patients often turn to doctors in the later stages of the disease, when even surgical interventions no longer give results. Therefore, doctors focus on the timely identification of inheritance factors, the so-called predisposition to cancer. Identifying risk factors and grouping patients into specific groups for detailed follow-up should play a role important role in achieving greater success and effectiveness of treatment. These steps will allow you to find the tumor at the beginning of its formation and help suppress the pathological process.
After a series of studies, scientists have identified factors that significantly increase the risk of developing cancer. These factors are divided into the following groups.
- chemical carcinogens - increase the risk of diseases in people who are constantly in contact with substances harmful to health;
- physical carcinogens - negative impact ultraviolet radiation, exposure during research involving x-rays and radioisotopes, living in regions with a high content of radioactive substances;
- biological carcinogens are viruses that change the genetic structure of the cell. This group also includes natural hormones that can develop carcinomas of a hormone-dependent organ. High estrogen content, for example, increases the risk of breast tumors, and increased testosterone - malignant prostate carcinoma;
- lifestyle - the most common impact factor in cancer pathologies - smoking - increases the risk of respiratory cancer, and tumors of the stomach or cervix.
A separate and important factor from the point of view of medical research, which is currently being paid Special attention- hereditary predisposition.
Faced with cancer, many people begin to have the same question in their minds: can the disease be inherited or is there no reason to worry? You should not relax, since inherited predisposition plays a huge role in the development of diseases. Genes are structural sections with nucleic acids that functionally transmit the heredity of living organisms. The necessary information for further development carrier. Some genes are responsible for internal organs, others take control of indicators such as hair color, eye color, and so on. In the structure of one cell there are more than thirty thousand genes that write the code for protein synthesis.
Genes are part of chromosomes. At conception, the gestating fetus receives half of the chromosome set from each parent. In addition to the “correct” genes, mutated ones may also be transmitted, which, in turn, will lead to distortion of genetic information and incorrect protein synthesis - all this can have a dangerous effect, especially if suppressor genes and oncogenes are subject to changes . Suppressors protect DNA from damage, oncogenes are responsible for cell division.
Mutant genes react completely unpredictably to the environment. This reaction often leads to the appearance of oncological formations.
Modern medicine does not question the existence of a predisposition to cancer. According to some data, 5-7% of cancer cases are caused by a genetic factor. Among doctors, there is even a term “cancer families” - families in which tumors were diagnosed in at least 40% of blood relatives. At the moment, geneticists know almost all the genes responsible for the development of carcinomas. Unfortunately, molecular genetics is an expensive branch of science, especially in terms of laboratory research, so it is not yet possible to use it widely. The main work of geneticists at present is the study of pedigrees. After analyzing them, it is extremely important to receive effective and clear recommendations from a specialist regarding the patient’s lifestyle, advice to help prevent the occurrence of formations. For different forms of cancer and taking into account the age of patients, the intervals between examinations to determine the correct advice can vary from more to less.
Based on the nature of inheritance, several cancer forms are distinguished:- inheritance of genes responsible for a specific form of cancer;
- transmission of genes that increase the risk of disease;
- the appearance of a disease due to the inheritance of several characteristics simultaneously.
Today, science identifies several dozen different types of cancer that have a hereditary factor. Most often, tumors are found in the breast, lungs, ovaries, colon or stomach, as well as acute leukemia and malignant melanoma.
The high incidence rate motivates oncologists to constantly develop ways early diagnosis And effective treatment cancer, including those arising due to genetic predisposition. When assessing the degree of inheritance of the risk of developing carcinoma, it is important to carefully consider the patient's family history.
The following features of the medical pedigree should be emphasized:
- Oncological tumors in relatives under fifty years of age.
- Development of the same type of cancer pathology in different generations within the same pedigree.
- Recurrent oncology in the same relatives.
It is necessary to discuss the results of testing for family diseases with a genetic oncologist. The consultation will more accurately determine whether predisposition and risk testing is necessary.
Before conducting a genetic analysis, carefully compare the pros and cons of this procedure for yourself. On the one hand, the study can determine the risks of tumor development, on the other hand, it will make people fear without any real reason, as well as have an inadequate and “excessive” attitude towards health and suffer from cancer phobia.
The level of inherited predisposition is determined by molecular genetic research. It allows you to identify a number of mutations in oncogenes and suppressor genes that are responsible for an increased risk of oncological pathologies. If risks for cancer development are detected, continuous monitoring by oncology specialists who are able to diagnose the tumor at the earliest stage is recommended.
Genetic analysis for cancer is a modern method of diagnosing and preventing susceptibility to cancer. Are such studies reliable and is everything required to be completed? - questions that concern both scientists and potential patients. Considering that in Russia a genetic analysis, for example, for breast and ovarian cancer, will cost approximately 4,500 rubles, it becomes clear that many would like to first understand whether it is really worth introducing this research into personal and family articles expenses.
Indications for the study
Genetic analysis that reveals cancer heredity can determine the risks of the following pathologies:
- mammary gland;
- respiratory organs;
- genital organs (glands);
- prostate;
- intestines.
Another indication is the suspicion of the presence of other diseases in the patient. Such non-oncological diseases in the future increase the possibility of cancer of various organs.
In this case, it is necessary to conduct a diagnosis and find out whether there are certain congenital syndromes that sometimes precede cancerous tumors of the respiratory or digestive system.
What does the genetic test show?
Scientists have found that changes in certain genes most often lead to cancer. Every day, cells with malignant characteristics spread in the human body, but our immunity, with the support of special genetic structures, copes with them.
If there are disturbances in the DNA structure, the work of “protective” genes is disrupted, thereby increasing the risk of cancer. Such “damages” in genes are inherited.
An example is the famous case of Angelina Jolie: a relative in the family was diagnosed with breast carcinoma, so the famous actress underwent genetic testing, and she, in turn, identified mutations in the genes. Alas, the only thing doctors could do in this case was to remove the breasts and ovaries, that is, they eliminated the organs in which the mutated genes progressed. However, do not forget that each case is individual and methods of prevention and treatment may differ significantly from the example described.
Can genetic analysis be trusted?
The dysfunction in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which, when functioning normally, prevent the appearance of breast and ovarian cancer, has been studied in more detail. But over time, doctors noticed that the time and money spent on genetic development did not significantly reduce the mortality rate among women. Therefore, it is not worth using genetic analysis as a screening diagnostic method for each individual person, but such an analysis is quite suitable for identifying risk groups.
Trusting the results obtained is an individual choice. If the result is negative, it is probably not necessary to urgently carry out preventive complete removal of the organ. However, if abnormalities in the genes are still detected, begin to carefully monitor your health and conduct periodic diagnostics.
It is difficult to determine the indicators for genetic diagnosis in percentage terms, since this requires analyzing a large number of cases with both positive and negative results. Nevertheless, we can already say with certainty that such an analysis is highly sensitive and its results should be relied upon.
The results obtained after testing will not answer the patient’s question 100% whether or not he will ever get cancer. It is difficult to draw conclusions from a negative result: it only shows that the risk of developing cancer is not higher than the average statistical indicators of the population. But a positive answer gives a more accurate and detailed information both the doctor and the person being examined.
To ensure the accuracy of test results, do not forget about the rules for preparing for analysis.
Of course, no special plan is required, but it doesn’t hurt to follow generally accepted standards when donating blood:- eliminate alcohol seven days before diagnosis;
- stop smoking for three to five days before donating blood;
- The last meal is ten hours before the examination.
Who should get tested?
Genetic testing has imprecise indications for testing a patient's specific age or general physical condition. Anyone can get tested, especially if taking the test will help not only gain some certainty, but also bring peace of mind.
However, there are several examples in which it is still worthwhile to undergo the examination:
- If the mother of a young girl is diagnosed with a tumor in the mammary gland, you should not wait several years to check this girl for a predisposition. It is better to immediately warn yourself and other younger blood relatives. It is recommended to be examined to confirm or exclude a genetic mutation and the risk of developing cancer;
- Men over the age of 50 who have been diagnosed with serious acute or chronic prostate problems should be tested and assessed for the risk of prostate tumor growth;
- in general, any malignant tumors in relatives are already a sufficient reason for an analysis, but trust a geneticist doctor who can evaluate the results obtained to prescribe an examination.
Remember, the age of the person being examined has absolutely no meaning when taking the test. Gene disruption is programmed at birth. Thus, if at the age of 25 the results showed that the genes are in perfect order, then there is no point in undergoing the same test ten, fifteen, twenty years later.
General cancer prevention
The appearance of tumors, even with pronounced heredity, can be partially prevented.
You just need to follow simple rules:- give up bad habits that cause addiction (alcohol, smoking);
- eat healthy foods, increasing the consumption of vegetables and fruits in the diet and reducing animal fats;
- maintain weight within normal limits;
- provide the body with constant physical exercise;
- protect skin from direct ultraviolet radiation;
- provide required vaccinations;
- undergo preventive diagnostics;
- seek medical care immediately in case of problems in the body.
Caring and scrupulous attitude towards your own body is the key to reducing the chances of cancer. Trying to prevent a disease is always easier than treating it.
Even if the possibility of cancer is 100% established, preventive methods are limited. Simple observation by an oncologist without a detailed examination, for example, cannot be regarded as effective prevention, but rather as a passive wait for the disease to appear. At the same time, drastic interventions such as preventive removal of mammary glands are not always justified and make sense.
Unfortunately, today, apart from observation by a doctor and testing, oncology does not provide reliable methods and means of prevention.
A potential patient can only take a few steps to protect themselves as much as possible:- Study the medical history of the family, and in several generations.
- Be observed periodically by an oncologist, especially if blood relatives are ill.
- Undergo genetic analysis if there is a reason to worry about the results based on the studied pedigree.
- Use preventative and general health tips to reduce risk factors, regardless of test results.
The main thing to remember is that a predisposition to a disease is not the disease itself. Maintain a positive attitude, spend more time on your own health, and entrust your care to specialists in the field of oncology and genetics.