Does a particular disease seem to run in your family? If the disease is genetically heritable, then there is potential that a gene that links to a certain disease, disorder, or condition could be passed from one generation in your family to the next one, and so on. However, just because there is the potential for you to have a gene that raises the risks for you to develop something does not mean that you absolutely will end up developing it. Your lifestyle choices also play a part.
Breast cancer is something that both women and men can get. The increased awareness of breast cancer in the news, and on Facebook, has prompted some insurance companies to create Breast Cancer Insurance. The implication is that if breast cancer runs in your family, then you are absolutely going to develop that form of cancer too, so you might as well plan for it.
Around 12% of all women will get breast cancer. It turns out that 60% of the women who have a specific mutation on their BRCA1 or BRCA 2 gene will develop breast cancer. The same mutation also increases the risk of ovarian cancer. Often, genealogy research leads a genealogist to uncover the health history of her family. If you have learned that breast cancer runs in your family, it is a good idea to get tested, to see if you carry a mutated version of the BRCA genes. It is something you should take seriously, and it is wise to seek advice from a doctor about your concerns.
However, keep in mind that there is a possibility that you won’t carry those genes at all. Even if you do, it doesn’t mean you will, without a doubt, get breast cancer. 40% of the women who have a mutated BRCA gene don’t. You could be one of the 40%.
Before you get depressed about the genes that you happen to have been dealt, realize something. Your genetics can make you at risk for something, but your lifestyle choices can often minimize, or even prevent, that risk from becoming a reality. Go see your doctor for regular check ups, to keep on top of what is going on with your health. Make sure you are eating right, and getting plenty of exercise. Find what works for you to reduce your stress. These kinds of choices can go a long way. Yes, our genes make up who we are. However, the choices we make about our health have a strong impact, too. You can learn from the choices made by your ancestors, and the results of those choices.
Image by Mel Rowling on Flickr