Maybe it's a mother who had breast cancer in her 30s. Or a grandfather and an aunt diagnosed with colon cancer in the last decade. When there's a history of cancer in your family, it's natural to have questions and concerns.
Hear what 4 Mayo Clinic experts advise when it comes to managing a genetic cancer risk. And why you may have more control than you think.
We asked Mayo Clinic experts: What advice do you have when cancer runs in the family?
Dawn M. Mussallem, D.O.: There are certain types of cancers that occur in families that raise red flags, such as a family history of breast cancer in a relative that happened at a young age.
If you have a family history of any of these sorts of cancers, it's important that you talk with your doctor about potentially having genetic testing.
Shawna L. Ehlers, Ph.D., L.P.: Most commonly, this conversation comes up with parents who are worried about their children. There are sometimes feelings of guilt or even blaming themselves. And so, we'll have a conversation, just kind of poking holes in that because it can't be your fault. These were your genetics that you had when you were born.
Adam M. Shultz, CEP: Instead of focusing or even worrying about genetic predisposition, we focus on the things they have control over such as their activity habits, nutrition, stress management and those things.
Dr. Ehlers: Simply separating it into what they control and what they don't control can be very helpful.
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