Genetics and Cancer Risk
Understanding your genetic risks for cancer
Genes are the instructions inside our cells that tell our bodies how to grow, function and repair damage. Sometimes, changes in genes called mutations can occur and cause genes to not work properly.
Mutations can be inherited (passed down from parents to children) or acquired over time due to aging or environmental factors.
Why knowing your family’s health history matters
While not all gene changes passed down through families increase cancer risk, certain mutations can increase the likelihood of developing cancer, particularly when they affect genes responsible for repairing DNA damage or controlling how cells grow and divide.
Knowing your family’s health history is important, as it can provide important clues about inherited cancer risk. Your healthcare providers may look for patterns such as:
- A family member was diagnosed with cancer at a younger age.
- Multiple relatives on the same side of the family have had the same or related types of cancer.
- Someone in your family has had more than one type of cancer.
- A family member has been found to carry cancer-related genetic mutations.
How genetic counseling can help
If you think your personal or family history may place you at increased risk, talk with your doctor. They can review your history and determine whether a referral to a genetic counselor is recommended.
A genetic counselor can help you:
- Understand your family history and risk of cancer.
- Determine whether genetic testing may be appropriate.
- Explain the benefits, limitations, and possible results of testing.
- Discuss personalized screening and prevention options based on your risk.
Cancer IQ Risk Assessment
The Cancer IQ Risk Assessment is an online 5 to 10 minute survey that helps you learn your cancer risk. It provides personalized insights and shows if lung cancer screening or other screenings could benefit you.
Anyone wanting to understand their unique cancer risk factors can take a CancerIQ screening survey. It is especially recommended for adults ages 25 to 45 to establish early prevention plans, those with a family history of cancer, or anyone seeking to see if they qualify for genetic testing.
Genetics Insights Project
The Genetics Insights Project at Nebraska Medicine and the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) is a large-scale community health research study. This research study will examine what DNA can tell about a person’s future health. The goal is to provide more personalized health care to patients and support new research in our community.
Health insurance is not required, and there is no cost to participate. Participants and their health care providers will receive confidential results regarding genetic risk for certain cancers and heart disease.
To learn more or participate in the Genetic Insights Project, visit: Nebraska Medicine Genetics Insights Project
If you have other questions, contact the study team at geneticinsights@nebraskamed.com or by calling 402.559.1350.
Frequently asked questions
When talking with family members about your family's health history, try to gather the following information:
- The types of cancer diagnosed in family members.
- Age at diagnosis of cancer, if known.
- Which side of the family the cancer occurred on (mother's side, father's side, or both).
- The number of relatives affected by cancer and their relationship with you (parent, sibling, child, grandparent, aunt, uncle, cousin, etc.).
- Whether any family members have had more than one type of cancer.
- Whether any family members have undergone genetic testing and, if so, whether a cancer-related genetic mutation was found.
Knowing your family's health history can help healthcare providers identify patterns that may indicate an increased risk of cancer. This information can be used to create a personalized prevention and screening plan based on your individual risk.
Depending on your family history, your healthcare provider may recommend:
- Earlier or more frequent cancer screenings to detect cancer at its earliest, most treatable stage.
- Additional screening tests for individuals at higher risk.
- Genetic counseling and testing to determine whether an inherited genetic mutation may be contributing to cancer risk.
- Risk-reducing medications or preventive surgeries for certain high-risk individuals.
- Lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, avoiding tobacco, and limiting alcohol, can help lower cancer risk even for people with an inherited risk.