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22 years
Is cancer hereditary?
Jul 11, 2015

Dr. Mohamad Siblini Surgery
Sometimes, but not always. It depends on the type and location.
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Dr. Zakia Dimassi Pediatrics
As a general rule, cancer is not inherited. And as Dr. Siblini has explained, there are a few exceptions to this rule, but even in those cancers not all cases are hereditary and most cases are sporadic, meaning they occur because of mutations in the genes that have accumulated over time.
Regarding the types of cancer that run in families, two factors need to be taken into account:
1- genetic mutations that predispose to the development of cancer: this is encountered in some, but not all, cases of breast cancer, ovarian cancer and intestinal cancer.
2- lifestyle risk factors: including exposure to tobacco (whether 1st hand or 2nd hand) and obesity, which increase the probability of developing malignant tumors.
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