Genetics and Cancer
All cancer is genetic because it involves changes in genes and chromosomes. Most cancer is not hereditary. This means that individuals usually do not inherit a significant genetic susceptibility to cancer and therefore do not pass cancer on to their children.
However, it is estimated that 5-10% of breast, ovarian, and colon cancer is due to the inheritance of a single predisposing gene. The presence of one of these predisposing genes does not mean an individual will necessarily develop cancer, but it does place an individual at a significantly increased risk.
Other types of cancer can also be hereditary, but these cancers are less common.
Genetics and Cancer Links:
 | How Cancer Occurs -- Brief description from the NIH (includes explanation of different types of cancer) |
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Hereditary cancer syndromes -- Basic information on hereditary cancer including who is at risk, who should be tested, and other commonly asked questions |
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National Cancer Institute --Genetics -- Information on prevention, genetics, and causes for various types of cancer |
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| Familial Cancer Risk Counseling and Genetic Testing Directory -- Lists professionals who provide services related to cancer genetics (cancer risk assessment, genetic counseling, genetic susceptibility testing, and others). |
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| Ask Noah About Cancer Genetics -- I have not reviewed this site, but it contains information on a number of topics about cancer genetics from basic information to research on gene therapy |
Cancer and Nutrition Links: I have not yet thoroughly reviewed all of these sites. BE CAREFUL! There are a number of unsubstantiated claims about the role nutrition can play in curing or preventing cancer. If it sounds too good to be true it just may be.
| Nutrition and Cancer Prevention -- This is an Article By Suzanne Dixon, MPH, MS, RD who is a Dietitian & Epidemiologist at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center |
| What is ORAC? How different foods can help the body fight cancer -- article also by Suzanne Dixon |
| Nutrition for Patients and Survivors -- American Cancer Cancer Society |
| Nutrition for Cancer Risk Reduction -- American Cancer Society |
| American Institute for Cancer Research -- A wealth of information on life-style and diet changes for cancer prevention based on research funded by this organization. Includes recipes and an online newsletter. |
Books:
American Cancer Society. The American Cancer Society's Healthy Eating Cookbook: A Celebration of Foods, Friends, and Healthy Living. American Cancer Society, 1999.
American Institute for Cancer Research. Stopping Cancer Before It Starts. New York, NY: Golden Books Publishing Co., Inc., 1999.
Pawlak, Laura. Perfect 10: Phyto "New-trients" Against Cancers: A Practical Guide for the Breast, Prostate, Colon, Lung. 3rd Edition. Emeryville, Calif.: JEBLAR, Inc. 1999.
Pensiero, Laura and Oliveria, Susan. The Strang Cookbook for Cancer Prevention. New York, NY: Penguin Books Ltd., 1998.
Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. Healthy Eating For Life: To Prevent and Treat Cancer. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc, 2002.
