According to data from the High Cost Account (CAC), within the framework of insurance in Colombia, as of December 31, 2022, 491,048 people diagnosed with some type of cancer. Between January 2, 2021 and January 1, 2022, 46,644 new cases were reported.
Of these, the majority was concentrated in the Central region, with 31.7% of the cases in Bogotá, with 20.8% and in the Pacific, with 18.2%.
5% of all cancers are hereditary and in particular, in breast and ovarian cancers, this figure can be up to 10%because the patient is a carrier of a genetic mutation or variant.
Why is cancer hereditary?
The Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM) explains that Hereditary diseases are those that are transmitted from parents to their offspring. In practice, this means that if a family member has suffered a genetic alteration that predisposes them to developing a disease, That family has a higher risk of suffering from it.
Experts point out that cancers generally begin when one of the cells that make up an organ begins to perform one of its functions inadequately and independently. This occurs when the genes that regulate these functions are defective.
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“Genes are coded messages that control all the functions of the body and the set of these signals is what makes us individual. Most genetic defects that lead to cancer are caused by sporadic damage induced by external factors such as diet, tobacco or radiation,” explains SEOM.
Some people, however, are more prone to cancer because, along with the rest of their genetic inheritance, they have also received alterations from their relatives. in some gene that is essential for cellular control.
What types of cancer can be hereditary?
About twenty genes are known to be related to hereditary cancers. These types of cancer include:
- breast cancer
- Colorectal cancer (cancer of the digestive system)
- Ovarian cancer
- Melanoma (skin cancer)
- Wilms tumor (kidney cancer)
- Retinoblastoma (childhood eye cancer) Of these, the most studied are breast, ovarian and colorectal cancer.
Can hereditary cancer be prevented?
The SEOM ensures that Some hereditary cancers, due to the confluence of numerous factors, can be prevented. Two of the most important tumors in the field of hereditary cancer, breast and colorectal cancer, can be prevented in a very significant percentage of cases if these people are correctly advised and the most effective preventive measures are taken.
When should you consult the doctor?
In general, you should consult a doctor anyone who feels alarmed because several cases of the same type of cancer have been diagnosed in their family at an early age. In the case of breast cancer, you should go to the consultation when at least two close family members (mother, sister, father) are affected by the disease, and at least one of them is diagnosed before the age of 50. .
Regarding ovarian cancer, you should consult when there are two or more cases of ovarian cancer.or one from the breast and another from the ovary, in first-degree relatives.
Regarding colorectal cancer, the chances of developing it increase:
• If two brothers have suffered from it and one of them has been diagnosed before the age of 50.
• If a first-degree relative (brother, father or mother) has presented it before the age of 40.
• If there are three people in the family with colorectal cancer or with an associated tumor (cervix, small intestine, kidney, ovary, stomach or brain).
