“Are there such a thing as cancer genes? ”

Hello. The cause of cancer in general is unknown. Much research has been done to try to figure out what are the factors that cause cancer. These factors give percentages of the possibility of developing cancer over a set number of years. A family history of cancer often causes an increased chance of the development of that type of cancer. It remains unclear if this increased risk is due to environmental factors or otherwise. There is increasing information about genetic changes increasing the formation of cancers. This is particularly true in breast ovarian and colon cancers and other less common types of cancer.

The types of familial cancers can be inherited. There are guidelines published that recommend screening and or genetic analysis. One group is the NCCN (nccn.org) (National Comprehensive Cancer Network) which publishes guidelines for about 95% of cancers which are updated at least annually.

Each of these pieces of information provides only an estimate of the possibility of cancer development. It is important to follow guidelines recommending standard eating and or genetic testing that should be performed. Environmental factors also play a role in cancer development.

It depends on how rigorous one wants to be in the definition. What we know is that there are "defects" (structure and molecule changes - variations) in DNA that are associated with risk of new cancers, prognosis of established cancer, bad biochemical behavior of the tumor Some of this information is useful for individual patients. Presence of the variation can guide choice of treatment and choice of screening for patients and families. For some cancers and families with some patterns of cancer over generations genetic testing can be critical life saving life prolonging or a quality of life plus. What we often don't know is the defect the cause; the reason for the defect is the defect critical or a bystander collateral damage, but we don't need to know in order to use the best practical lessons or to be guided as to individual evidence-based need for tumor testing or family counseling and testing.

Hello,

You don't "pass down" cancer, but there are certain genes that, when mutated, increase your chances of developing certain forms of cancer. Therefore, you can inherit the predisposition to develop some cancer, but not the cancer itself.

Best,

Luigi Boccuto, MD