WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for April, 2002: Re: Genetics Question

Re: Genetics Question

From: Anonymous (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Fri, 5 Apr 2002 09:36:03 -0600 (CST)

Messages sorted by: [ date ][ thread ][ subject ][ author ]
Next message: Ann: "Bone density test"
Previous message: D.N.: "Re: progesterone cream after partial hysterectomy"
In reply to: Mary: "Genetics Question"
Next in thread: Mary: "Re: Genetics Question"
Reply: Mary: "Re: Genetics Question"

At Fri, 5 Apr 2002, Mary wrote:

>I am dealing with several issues right now, one of them being my
>doctor's quest to resolve my anemia, the other is that my brother's
>cancer has spread from his urinary tract to his lungs or was there all
>the time. The question is, I have no sisters. My family is loaded on
>both sides with cancer but they are grandparents and great uncles. My
>brother is the only first degree relative I have who has apparently
>gotten a very seriously dangerous cancer. Does this put me at greater
>statistical risk? Does cancer cross gender lines?(of course I am female
>and the only female of my generation by the way. Everyone else are
>males.

Mary, I am sorry to hear about your brother. I am not a doctor but have some knowledge of cancer based on family and friends, as well as reading. It really depends on the type of cancer, as to whether you would inherit it. Some cancer can cross gender lines and cancer types. For example I believe if a close relative (male/female) has colon cancer, you can be at higher risk for ovarian as well as colon cancer. I don't know about urinary tract cancer, but currently it is believed that lung cancer is not inherited. But doctors once said melanoma wasn't inherited , and now they said there is a family link.As an aside, it IS possible for doctors to determine in which organ the cancer originated. In my mother's case she had thyroid and lung cancer at the same time. By testing cells they were able to conclude it began in the lung (and no, she did not smoke and wasn't exposed to second hand smoke, and there wasn't ANY family history of cancer). The best thing to do is to sit down with your doctor, who knows a lot more about your own medical status, so that any increased risk you might have can be established. Again, my best wishes for your brother and your family.

Next message: Ann: "Bone density test"
Previous message: D.N.: "Re: progesterone cream after partial hysterectomy"
In reply to: Mary: "Genetics Question"
Next in thread: Mary: "Re: Genetics Question"
Reply: Mary: "Re: Genetics Question"

Women's Insurance Checklist from Auto Insurance Quote

use when must restrict search to only the women's health forum...
Enter search keywords:
	Returns per screen: Require all keywords: