Hereditary cancer, can it be prevented?

 

    

    In a recent article posted on Veritas, the Veritas Scientific Department discussed the study of hereditary diseases, including cancer, and whether they are preventable. They stated that :

"During their lifetime, 1 out of every 3 people will suffer from some type of cancer. Of the total number of cases, between 5 and 10 percent are hereditary." (Veritas Scientific Department, 2025).

    This statistic showed that it is very common for people to develop some kind of cancer in their lifetime, and 5 to 10 percent is hereditary. Therefore, it is crucial to find a way to predict and maybe prevent the chance of developing cancer due to heredity. The article introduced a method called multigene panels, which is used for genetic studies in families with suspected hereditary cancer syndrome.

    But before diving into the multigene panels, the author breaks the topic down to the origin of cancer, whether it is sporadic or hereditary. Sporadic cancer is due to a genetic alteration that is not hereditary. After being able to understand the origin of the cancer, the scientists can use a unique process to conduct a genetic study in families with suspected hereditary cancer syndrome. In an effort to find a way to predict hereditary diseases, scientists have developed a test called multigene panels to predict hereditary cancer. This process utilized the Next Generation Sequencing, an advanced biotechnology also known as NGS. 

    The information the test provides is valuable because it can allow us to take numerous preventative measures to reduce the risk of developing cancer. In some cases, clinical guidelines by specialists indicate management and follow-up measures for individuals at risk. If you suspect yourself with chances of having hereditary cancer, it is important to gather as much information on those affected (age at diagnosis, specific type of cancer, and its evolution) and go to a physician or genetic counselor as they will be the best resource to determine risk and assess for the need of genetic testing. 

WORKS CITED

Veritas Scientific Department (2025). Hereditary cancer, can it be prevented? Veritas. https://www.veritasint.com/blog/en/hereditary-cancer-can-it-be-prevented/

Cancer Research UK (2024). Inherited genes and cancer types. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/inherited-cancer-genes-and-increased-cancer-risk/inherited-genes-and-cancer-types