If you have a family history of cancer it can mean :
Cancer has developed by chance in your family (most common)
You may have an increased risk of getting cancer
You may have an inherited faulty gene causing an increased chance of cancer. But it is important to know that this is only a very small percentage of certain cancers (up to 5%)
What cancers increase my risk of getting cancer?
People with a family history of the following cancers may be at a moderately increased risk of developing these cancers :
Breast cancer
Bowel cancer
Prostate cancer
Testicular cancer
NPC
But it does not mean it is an inherited cause. Talk to your doctor about what you can do to reduce your risk. You may need to be tested or change some lifestyle habits.
What type of cancers are due to an inherited faulty gene?
It is thought that up to 5% of the following cancers may involve an inherited gene.
