Family history of cancer

[SweetHrt06]

I'm 21 years old and I'm absolutely terrified of cancer. I just needed some answers. When my mother was pregnant with me she had been diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. She was only 25 and she dyed 10 years later because after so long it finally spread to her brain. One question is am I at risk for getting it because I was inside her when she got it?

So many family members of mine have had cancer. A great aunt dyed from Liver Cancer, another aunt has Breast Cancer, my uncle has Prostate Cancer, my great grandfather dyed from Brain Cancer, and currently my father is fighting Esophageal Cancer and is being checked out for Brain Cancer. After I look at all this, I feel like I am doomed. People tell me all the time that I should be looked at once a year to be sure and it scares me. Am I really likely to get it?

[iam1butterfly]

My situation is similar to your own, in that there is an uncomfortably high Cancer occurrence in my family history (in both my mother and father's side).
My mother has both Hodgkin's Disease and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma.
My Father had Prostate Cancer.
My sister has had Ovarian and Kidney Cancer and, now, doctors suspect that
my brother may have Prostate Cancer.
My paternal grandfather died of Colon Cancer.
3 of my father's 7 siblings died from various forms of Cancer.
2 of my mother's sisters had Breast Cancer
... and, I've had my own Breast Cancer scare... twice within the past 4 years.
So, I can very much relate to that "doomed" and depressing feeling.
Realize, however, that family history is not the only risk factor for Cancer.
It is "1" of many risk factors.
I decided after having had 2 biopsies (both with benign findings) that I wasn't going
to allow the fear of something that may or may never happen to me.... run my life.
Instead,
... it makes me think
... it makes me all the more conscientious about my body
... it makes me attentive to my health care
... and it makes me cherish life all the more.

I recommend that you do what you can for yourself.
Have regular medical checkups/ physicals.
Live a healthy lifestyle.
And, don't ignore or minimize anything that you suspect might be abnormal within
or on your body.
Oh, and maintaining a positive attitude can go a long way.

[Dan631]

Hey there,

Your fears of cancer are all understandable, but it's not something you should even be considering until something related actually occurs. You should definitely get screenings and tests once in a while because of the genetic history, but don't obsess over it or you'll drive yourself nuts and turn into a hypochondriac.

I just finished being treated for Acute Lymphoblastic Lymphoma, a very similar cancer to what killed your mother, mine was cured a lot due to luck, and due to great doctors.  It was caught in the early stages, due to forming around my trachea and cutting off my breathing slightly.  The treatment was pretty much 8 months of hell, but I made it through and feel like a stronger man because of it.  With modern medical technology, catching and curing cancers is much less dangerous than it was even 10 years ago.

[Mahan787]

Hello,
I m not sure if my reply answers all ur questions but what i knew is Heridity is one reason for cancer but it doesnt really make it for sure.You are mentioning that most of d ppl had cancer in ur family.But still what i can say there may b lot more ppl who are really not trbld from cancer..Right?
My mom got cured for Tongue cancer recently.We dont have cancer back ground since many generations.So what shall we see this as?
Per my knowledge instead of you getting frightned about cancer risk, jst do your research on cancer. internet is a boone and it has enough amount of info abt cancer risks and how to mittigate it...
To conclude one with healthy life style,powerful diet(nutritious),physical exercises can get the resistivity to fight against cancer..
For example; i have below links for the same, have a look and do ur further research...
--http://www.helpguide.org/life/healthy_diet_cancer_prevention.htm
--http://www.marketwatch.com/story/six-good-eating-habits-that-will-help-prevent-cancer

U can mail me further if u have any queries to mahankalarao.***@****
I can tell u whatever i know..d only thing is m not a doctor..so i can share as best as i can..

Thanks,
mahan