People worry unnecessarily about cancer in
their family because they do not realise only a small number
of cancers are hereditary, a survey has found.
The poll found 91% of people falsely believe that
if a family member has had cancer, they are at greater personal
risk of the disease.
In fact, the likelihood of an increased risk
is small, as nine out of ten cancers appear by chance.
The survey was carried out by information charity
Cancerbackup.
The poll, of over 1,000 people conducted through
the Genes Reunited website, found a quarter of people thought
that between 50% and 100% of cancers are hereditary.
The majority of people (74%) wrongly thought
that if several members of their family have had different types
of cancer, it means that there is a strong chance of an inherited
genetic link in the family.
It also found that 60% of people think family
history is the biggest risk factor for cancer - only 15% realise
that it is actually age.
Two-thirds of cancer occurs in people over
65 years old.
Lifestyle impact
Dr Andrea Pithers, Cancerbackup genetic information
manager, said: "Worrying about cancer can be very debilitating
and it is sad that people are not aware of the reality, that
very few cancers are caused by a known inherited genetic link.
"At the same time people should know about
how they can lower their risk with things they can actually
change, like eating a healthy diet and exercise."
Martin Ledwick, information nurse manager at
Cancer Research UK ,said the results showed how important it
was that people got accurate information about cancer risks.
He said: "While most cancers are not strongly
linked to family history, if people are worried they should
speak to their GP for advice.
"Half of all cancers could be prevented by
changes to lifestyle."
