Is lung cancer hereditary? Here are some common knowledge about lung cancer

Is lung cancer hereditary? The number of cancer cases increases year by year, and "cancer hot topic" has become the new normal. It is extremely unexpected for a family to have a cancer patient, and the whole family is exhausted. In my work in the oncology department, I often encounter patients' families asking me "Is ×× lung cancer hereditary?" Their concerns are indeed reasonable. The simplest answer in daily life is "cancer is not hereditary, but there is a genetic tendency", which may not be detailed enough, but it is generally correct.

Is lung cancer hereditary? The number of cancer cases increases year by year, and "cancer hot topic" has become the new normal. It is extremely unexpected for a family to have a cancer patient, and the whole family is exhausted. In my work in the oncology department, I often encounter patients' families asking me "Is ×× lung cancer hereditary?" Their concerns are indeed reasonable. The simplest answer in daily life is "cancer is not hereditary, but there is a genetic tendency", which may not be detailed enough, but it is generally correct.

The so-called genetic predisposition to cancer refers to the tendency of some individuals to develop cancer more easily under the same conditions. Studies have shown that the pathogenic factors of common malignant tumors such as colorectal cancer, breast cancer, kidney cancer, prostate cancer, bladder cancer, gastric cancer, esophageal cancer, lung cancer, etc. have certain genetic factors, but the final occurrence of cancer, in addition to genetic factors, also depends on acquired factors such as mental factors, environmental factors, dietary factors and lifestyle habits. As the famous saying of traditional Chinese medicine goes, "Innate deficiency leads to acquired malnutrition."

In other words, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, esophageal cancer, and kidney cancer are highly hereditary. The relationship between lung cancer and genetic factors remains to be clarified, but in fact, lung cancer is related to family, and genetic factors affect the incidence and prognosis of lung cancer; family susceptibility is reflected in 5-10% of pancreatic cancer patients; the first-degree relatives (parents or siblings) of gastric cancer patients have an average risk of gastric cancer that is 2 to 3 times higher than the general population; gynecological tumors also have a genetic tendency. I have treated a mother and daughter with ovarian cancer while working in the tumor field. Therefore, people with a family history of tumors should pay more attention to the possibility of tumors and be careful to avoid the accumulation of related adverse factors.

Is lung cancer hereditary? In short, cancer is not necessarily hereditary. Heredity is indeed a possible factor in the occurrence of most cancers. There is indeed a correlation between cancer and heredity. The extent of the correlation needs further research and explanation. It is recommended that people with a family history of cancer should first realize that they are susceptible to cancer due to heredity, but it does not mean that they will definitely get cancer. It is not advisable to worry about it and make plans in advance. What is more important is to learn how to prevent cancer scientifically, have regular physical examinations, and if there is a problem, make early diagnosis and early treatment.