Exploring the Connection between Genetics and Cancer Risk

Vivek Subbiah^*
*Correspondence: Vivek Subbiah, Department of Cancer Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA, Email:

Keywords

Genetic factors • Cancer risk • Physical activity

Introduction

Our DNA, the genetic blueprint of our cells, contains instructions for the development, growth and functioning of our bodies. DNA is organized into genes, each of which carries information for a specific protein. Mutations or changes in these genes can lead to altered protein function, which, in some cases, may increase the risk of cancer. In some cases, cancer risk can be passed down through generations due to inherited genetic mutations. These mutations are present in the germline cells and can be transmitted from parent to child. Hereditary cancer syndromes, such as Lynch syndrome and hereditary breast and ovarian cancer are associated with specific gene mutations that significantly elevate the risk of developing certain types of cancer.

Literature Review

The majority of cancers are considered sporadic, meaning they occur due to genetic mutations that develop during a person's lifetime. These mutations can result from exposure to carcinogens, lifestyle factors, or random errors in DNA replication. Mutations in these genes are linked to a higher risk of breast, ovarian and other cancers. Individuals with these mutations have a significantly increased lifetime risk of developing these cancers. Mutations in the TP53 gene are associated with Li-Fraumeni syndrome, which predisposes individuals to a wide range of cancers, including breast, brain and bone cancers. Mutations in the APC gene are a hallmark of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), a condition that dramatically increases the risk of colorectal cancer [1,2].

Discussion

Mutations in these genes are linked to Lynch syndrome, a hereditary condition that elevates the risk of colorectal and other cancers. Advances in genetic testing have made it possible to identify individuals with a higher genetic susceptibility to cancer. Genetic counseling and testing can provide valuable information about an individual's cancer risk, allowing for personalized risk assessment and tailored screening and prevention strategies. Genetic testing and risk assessment have emerged as powerful tools in the field of healthcare, offering valuable insights into an individual's genetic makeup and their susceptibility to certain diseases, including cancer. These tools provide information that can inform personalized healthcare decisions, enhance early disease detection and empower individuals to take proactive steps to mitigate their health risks. In this article, we will explore genetic testing and risk assessment, focusing on their significance, methodologies and potential benefits. Genetic testing plays a pivotal role in assessing an individual's cancer risk, especially for hereditary cancers. Hereditary cancers result from specific inherited genetic mutations that significantly increase the likelihood of developing certain cancer types [3,4].

Genetic testing can identify mutations in specific genes (e.g., BRCA1, BRCA2, TP53, APC) associated with a higher risk of developing particular cancers. These mutations are typically passed down from one generation to the next. Genetic testing results allow healthcare providers to provide individuals with personalized risk assessments. Knowing one's genetic predisposition to cancer helps tailor cancer screening recommendations and prevention strategies. Genetic counseling is often recommended before and after genetic testing. It provides individuals with information about their genetic risk, the implications of test results and options for managing that risk. This empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare. Genetic testing can lead to earlier and more targeted cancer screenings, which can improve the chances of detecting cancer at an early, treatable stage. Armed with genetic information, individuals can take proactive steps to manage their cancer risk, such as undergoing more frequent screenings, making lifestyle modifications, or considering risk-reducing surgeries [5].

Genetic testing results can inform family planning decisions and enable individuals to understand the potential risk of hereditary cancers for their offspring. Genetic testing is a fundamental component of precision medicine, allowing for more personalized treatment approaches for individuals with specific genetic mutations. While genetic testing offers numerous benefits, it also raises ethical considerations, including issues related to privacy, informed consent and potential psychological impact. Ensuring that individuals receive appropriate genetic counseling and support is essential to address these concerns [6].

Conclusion

The connection between genetics and cancer risk is a complex interplay of inherited genetic mutations and environmental factors. While not all cancers are hereditary, understanding one's genetic predisposition can be crucial for personalized cancer prevention and early detection. Genetic testing, counseling and ongoing research continue to shed light on the intricate relationship between genetics and cancer, offering hope for improved cancer risk management and more effective treatments in the future.

Acknowledgement

None.

Conflict of Interest

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

References

1. Frank, Christoph, Jan Sundquist, Hongyao Yu and Akseli Hemminki, et al. "Concordant and discordant familial cancer: Familial risks, proportions and population impact." Int J Cancer 140 (2017): 1510-1516.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

2. Schmit, Stephanie L., Christopher K. Edlund, Fredrick R. Schumacher and Jian Gong, et al. "Novel common genetic susceptibility loci for colorectal cancer." J Natl Cancer Inst 111 (2019): 146-157.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

3. Yu, Hongyao, Christoph Frank, Jan Sundquist and Akseli Hemminki, et al. "Common cancers share familial susceptibility: implications for cancer genetics and counselling." J Med Genet 54 (2017): 248-253.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

4. Siegel, Rebecca L., Kimberly D. Miller and Ahmedin Jemal. "Cancer statistics, 2018." CA Cancer J Clin 68 (2018): 7-30.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

5. Giri, Veda N., Karen E. Knudsen, William K. Kelly and Wassim Abida, et al. "Role of genetic testing for inherited prostate cancer risk: Philadelphia prostate cancer consensus conference 2017." J Clin Oncol 36 (2018): 414.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

6. Huynh-Le, Minh-Phuong, Chun Chieh Fan, Roshan Karunamuni and Eleanor I. Walsh, et al. "A genetic risk score to personalize prostate cancer screening, applied to population data." Cancer Epidemiol Biomark Prev 29 (2020): 1731-1738.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at