Causes of cancer increase in young people

Lynch syndrome is a genetic disorder that increases the risk of many types of cancer, caused by mutations in genes that are responsible for "repairing" errors in DNA replication (such as MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2). When this repair system is broken, mutations accumulate rapidly, leading to cancer formation at a much younger age than usual.

- Ảnh 1. — Early detection of mutations through genetic testing helps open up targeted treatment directions

Carrying a mutation in the MLH1 gene means that a person faces a risk of cancer many times higher than the general population. In particular, the risk of colorectal cancer increases from 1.9% to 52 - 82% (27 - 43 times higher than normal cases); the risk of stomach cancer increases from 0.3% to 6 - 13% (20 - 43 times higher).

Hereditary cancer is a form of cancer directly related to genetic changes and accounts for 5 - 15% of all cancers.

With endometrial cancer in women, the risk increases from 1.6% to 25 - 60% (15 - 37 times higher). Gene mutations increase the risk of ovarian cancer in women from 0.7% to 4 - 12% (5 - 17 times higher).

Cancer gene mutations can be passed down through generations and increase the risk of developing cancer in individuals carrying that gene mutation. A family history of cancer is one of the high-risk factors.

Genetic cancer testing should be done when: a family member has cancer at a young age; a family member has multiple types of cancer; you or a relative has cancer in both organs in pairs (for example, cancer in both breasts); you or a relative has a rare cancer (breast cancer in men)...

According to Associate Professor, Dr. Pham Cam Phuong, Director of the Center for Nuclear Medicine and Oncology, Bach Mai Hospital, hereditary cancer is a type of cancer directly related to genetic mutations and accounts for 5 - 15% of cancers. These mutations often affect genes that control cell division and DNA repair, leading to uncontrolled cell growth, thereby forming tumors. Common hereditary cancers include breast cancer, colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer, etc.

Associate Professor, Dr. Pham Cam Phuong emphasized that early detection of these mutations through genetic testing not only helps screen high-risk subjects but also opens up targeted treatment directions, treatment based on the unique biological characteristics of each patient. With modern diagnostic methods, such as next-generation sequencing (NGS), analysis, diagnosis of diseases at the genetic level, molecular biology combined with treatment methods (targeted drugs, immunotherapy, etc.) helps prolong life and improve the quality of life for patients.

Detecting people at genetic risk can help patients and relatives take preventive measures or have regular health check-ups to detect cancer at an early stage, increasing the chance of effective treatment and prolonging life.