Understand Your Cancer Risk

Nearly 40 percent of Americans hear their doctor say “you have cancer” at some point in their lives. Every year, more than one million people in the U.S. receive the diagnosis.

But there is some good news. From your genetics to your lifestyle, a variety of factors influence whether you develop cancer. Some factors are easier to control than others, but one thing is certain: understanding your personal risk can help you take action to prevent the disease.

The Genetic Factor

Genetics play a major role in only 5 to 10 percent of all cancers. These cases develop when inherited gene mutations cause your cells to multiply uncontrollably. Because mutated cells are more fragile than healthy cells, pieces can break off and metastasize, or spread, the cancer.

A genetic mutation can significantly increase your cancer risk. For example, the general population has a 12 percent risk of developing breast cancer. But if you carry the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene, your lifetime breast cancer risk spikes to 45 to 87 percent.

Get Screened

Genetic testing made headlines in recent years, with celebrities like Angelina Jolie, Sharon Osbourne and Christina Applegate testing positive for the BRCA gene and taking action to decrease their cancer risk.

“Headlines may give people the impression that genetic screening is only for the rich and famous, but the truth is that it’s a normal part of healthcare,” says Frank dela Rama, R.N., MSN, a board-certified advanced genetic nurse in the Palo Alto Medical Foundation’s Cancer Genetics Program. “If you have a family history of cancer, be sure to get genetic counseling to figure out if testing is right for you.”

Speak to a genetic counselor if you have a first- or second-degree relative, such as a sibling, parent, cousin, aunt, uncle or grandparent, who has experienced any of these cancer factors:

• Cancer that was diagnosed at an unusually young age
• Two or more types of cancer that occurred independently in the same person
• Cancer that developed in a set of paired organs, such as both kidneys or both breasts
• A cluster of relatives who all have the same type of cancer (for example, a mother, daughter and sisters with breast cancer)
• Unusual cases of a specific cancer type (for example, breast cancer in a man)
• An ethnic identity that carries an increased chance of hereditary cancers

Practice Early Prevention

If you do have a gene mutation, don’t assume it’s a death sentence. “Once we determine the mutation, we can focus on how to prevent cancer from occurring,” says dela Rama. “For instance, we may start you on mammograms at age 20 instead of 40, when most people start screenings. Or if you have a genetic marker for colorectal cancer, we may recommend you get a colonoscopy once a year, as opposed to once every ten years.” You can also consider preventive surgery.

It’s good news if you don’t have a genetic mutation, but your family history could still put you in a higher risk category. “We’re hoping to capture that in early screenings, as well,” says dela Rama. “For example, if you test negative for genetic mutations but your mother got cancer early, we might recommend breast MRI screenings starting at age 30.”

Recognize Other Cancer Risks

The most significant risk factor for developing cancer? Aging. Advancing years cause numerous biologic changes, including shortened telomeres, DNA segments at each end of your chromosomes that help protect you from random DNA changes. Every time a cell divides, your telomeres get shorter, a process linked to aging and cancer.

Like genetics and family history, “you can’t control your age, but there are other risk factors you can control,” dela Rama says.

Your lifestyle and environment also expose you to many DNA-damaging factors that may lead to cancer. To decrease your risk, manage these elements in your daily life:

• Sun — Exposure to ultraviolet radiation can trigger DNA changes. Protect yourself in the sun.
• Diet — Stay away from red and processed meats, which have been linked to certain cancers. Eat more vegetables, especially colorful ones, and other “superfoods” rich in dietary fiber and antioxidants that help prevent cancer.
• Smoking and Alcohol — Smoking and drinking raise your cancer risk. Don’t smoke, and limit your alcohol intake to no more than one drink a day if you’re a woman and no more than two drinks a day if you’re a man.
• Exercise — According to the American Cancer Society, maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most important ways to protect yourself from cancer. Get going with a fitness plan today and make it a habit.

“Cancer prevention may seem overwhelming,” says dela Rama. “Just remember: There are simple things everyone can do to stay healthy and lower cancer risk, whether it’s adopting healthy habits or talking to a doctor or genetic counselor.”