When one cancer warns about another

 💡 When One Cancer Warns About Another  

Ovarian, breast, and colorectal cancers are not entirely separate stories — sometimes, they share the same genetic roots.  

 🧬 The Hidden Link

Two important inherited genetic conditions explain why a history of one cancer in the family can mean a higher risk of the others:  

1️⃣ BRCA1 & BRCA2 mutations

- Famous for increasing breast and ovarian cancer risk  

- Can also slightly raise the risk of colorectal cancer  

- Can be passed from **either parent** — meaning men can be carriers too  

2️⃣ Lynch Syndrome (Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer)

- Significantly increases the risk of colorectal cancer  

- Also linked to ovarian, endometrial, and sometimes breast cancer  

 📣 Why this matters

- If your **mother, sister, father, or brother** had breast, ovarian, or colon cancer — especially before age 50 — **your own screening plan may need to start earlier**  

- A **family diagnosis is not just a personal tragedy — it’s a warning sign for everyone else in the family**  

💙 Prevention & Early Detection Tips  

1. Know your family story

📝 Create a simple family health tree — include types of cancer, ages at diagnosis, and relationship.  

2. Talk to your doctor

💬 Share your family history, even if you feel healthy. It changes your screening recommendations.  

3. Consider genetic counseling

🔬 A simple blood or saliva test can reveal BRCA or Lynch mutations and guide your prevention plan.  

4. Healthy lifestyle habits

🥗 Maintain a balanced diet high in fiber and low in processed foods  

🏃‍♀️ Stay physically active  

🚭 Avoid smoking and limit alcohol  

5. Don’t ignore persistent symptoms

- **Ovarian cancer**: Bloating, pelvic pain, feeling full quickly  

- **Colorectal cancer**: Blood in stool, bowel changes, unexplained anemia  

- **Breast cancer**: New lumps, skin changes, nipple discharge  

6. Keep up with screenings

- **Breast**: Mammogram from age 40 (earlier with family history)  

- **Colon**: Colonoscopy from age 45 (or earlier if high risk)  

- **Ovarian**: No standard screening for the general population, but high-risk women may need pelvic ultrasound + CA-125 monitoring  

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🎯 One diagnosis in a family is a signal for everyone to check, protect, and take action.

#DrRababCares

 #CancerPrevention #OvarianCancer #BreastCancer #ColorectalCancer #GeneticCounseling #EarlyDetectionSavesLives #LusakaGynae #ForestParkHospital

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