University Cancer Centers

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University Cancer Centers
universitycancercenters.com 
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IS CANCER A GENETIC DISEASE? RISKS CONCERNING
WOMEN
Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide.
It is said to surpass heart diseases as the
nations leading killer by 2030 in the United
States.
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Specific changes to genes that control our cells
function, especially how they grow and divide,
cause cancer. But have you ever wondered how many
cancer-associated genes exist in the
human? Decades of detailed genetic analysis have
revealed that nearly 1000 known cancer-associated
genes are present in humans. Specific changes in
genes can cause cells to evade normal growth
controls, resulting in cancer. Genetic changes
that promote cancer can be inherited from our
parents if the changes are present in germ cells.
However, some people have an increased risk of a
specific type of cancer due to an inherited gene.
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How do genes cause cancer?
Cancer is a genetic disease. The development and
growth of our bodies depend on our genes. The
mutation is when something goes wrong with one or
more of the genes in a cell developing cancer.
Usually, it takes six or more mutations until a
cell becomes cancerous, disturbing cell
functions. Once it becomes cancerous, the cells
divide and grow beyond control. Gene faults that
develop during our life cause cancer. They may
happen as we get older or because of our exposure
to cigarettes or sunlight.
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Is cancer hereditary in humans?
If the parents have faulty genes, it can be
passed on from them to the children through the
egg or sperm, known as Inherited Cancer Genes.
It is likely for these genes to increase the risk
of hereditary cancer. The mutation caused by
inherited genes can be beneficial, harmful, or
neutral, depending on where in the gene the
change is occurring. This is because our bodies
are constantly undergoing the process to correct
any deformities or mutations formed in our genes.
A single mutation will not result in cancer.
However, if the mutations are multiple and they
keep growing, that can develop into cancer.
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Are cancers caused by inherited mutations common?
Cancers caused by inherited mutations are far
less common than cancers caused by changes in
genes over time. Most cancers develop due to a
combination of changes in our environment rather
than an inherited specific cancer
gene. Inheriting different mutated genes
increase the risk of different types of cancer.
Some of the faults increase risk by a small
amount while others might increase much more.
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Does cancer primarily affect women?
Historically speaking, cancer affects women less
often than men, and that women tend to survive
the disease more often than men. Some of the
cancers most commonly found in women are breast
cancer, skin cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian
cancer, cervical cancer, vaginal cancer, and
vulvar cancer. Even though breast cancer is not a
disease that only affects women, it is the most
common after skin cancer.
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Risk Factors and Prevention

• Several factors increase a womans risk of
  developing gynecologic or breast cancer. Some of
  these factors are
• Family history of breast, ovarian, or uterine
  cancer
• First childbirth after the age of 30
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Exposure to radiation at an early age
• Genetic mutations
• Unhealthy weight
• There is no specific way to prevent gynecologic
  or breast cancers, but taking measures can help
  eat a balanced diet, maintain a healthy weight,
  and engage in regular physical activity.

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Ten cancer signs women ignore

• Its less likely for women to notice specific
  cancer symptoms such as
• Blood in the stool (Colorectal cancer)
• Changes in the skin around the breast (Breast
  cancer)
• Unusual bleeding (Gynecologic cancer)
• Bloating (Ovarian/uterine cancer)
• Chronic coughing (Lung cancer/leukemia)
• Stomach pain or nausea (Leukemia, esophageal,
  liver, pancreatic, or colon cancer)

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• Unexplained weight loss (Pancreatic, liver, or
  colorectal cancer)
• Skin changes (Skin cancer)
• Unexplained bruises (Leukemia)
• Frequent fevers or infections (sign of leukemia)
• Undergoing cancer treatment can be
  emotional. University Cancer Centers believes in
  providing a detailed treatment that includes
  surgery, pain killers, and other therapeutic
  techniques for maximum results. The treatments
  are to target the stage of the disease and the
  general state of the patient.
• For an appointment or further details, contact
  us today.