Gene discovered that causes many young people to get cancer

Hereditary cancers account for 5-15% of all cancers. People who carry cancer-predisposing gene mutations inherited from their parents are at risk of developing the disease at an earlier age than those who do not carry the gene.

Young people with cancer due to genes

At the scientific conference on Cancer Genetics organized by Bach Mai Hospital on June 14, with the participation of domestic and international scientists, experts said that many cancers not only have an increasing incidence but also tend to be younger, including due to genetic factors.

Some cancers are caused by genetic genes, detecting disease genes helps prevent and treat more effectively

PHOTO: THE ANH

Regarding some common cancers with genetic factors, due to gene mutations, Associate Professor, Dr. Pham Cam Phuong, Director of the Center for Nuclear Medicine and Oncology (Bach Mai Hospital), said that some cancers such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, and colorectal cancer have been proven to be related to gene mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2.

People who carry genetic mutations inherited from their parents are at risk of developing cancer at an earlier age than people who do not carry the genes.

For example, breast cancer is a common disease in women over 60 years old, but if a person carries a genetic mutation, they will get the disease earlier, some people are only 40 or 30 years old.

Or with lung cancer, according to the results of recent studies, genetic factors may be involved, in addition to environmental factors such as smoking, dust, and toxic gases.

"If there is a family history of lung cancer, the rate of their relatives getting lung cancer is also higher than in families with no family members having the disease," Dr. Phuong noted.

Associate Professor Phuong shared that for those who have relatives with cancer, family members need to be screened and have their health monitored regularly. In addition, a healthy diet, exercise, and avoiding risk factors such as smoking are also very important in preventing some cancers.

Repairing disease-causing genes

According to Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Tuan Tung, Deputy Director of Bach Mai Hospital, hereditary cancer is a type of cancer directly related to genetic changes.

Genetic mutations affect genes that control cell division and DNA repair, leading to uncontrolled cell growth, which leads to tumor formation.

Early detection of genetic mutations can help patients and their families take preventive measures or have regular health check-ups to detect cancer at an early stage, increasing the chance of effective treatment and prolonging healthy life.

"Bach Mai Hospital has a gene therapy unit with the latest equipment, performing gene testing and early detection of cancer risks. We aim to provide gene editing in disease treatment," said Associate Professor Tung.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/phat-hien-gen-khien-nhieu-nguoi-tre-mac-ung-thu-185250614161740269.htm