10 May 2019 Cancer is a common disease in the general population. It is estimated that one in three people in the west will have cancer some time in their lives. Environmental factors are clearly predominant in some types of cancer. This is the case in the association between: Papilloma virus and cervical cancer Smoking and lung cancer. When several members of a family have the same type of cancer, it is natural to consider genetic factors . A family history may show a genetic mutation in a predisposing gene that poses a high risk for one or more types of cancer . A familial aggregation pattern of cancer may also evidence a predisposition for a particular type of cancer , related simultaneously to: Genetic factors: several genes acting cumulatively Environmental factors: known or unknown, also cumulative. This article was written with the support of physicians and other clinical professionals from the Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
