If there is a lot of cancer in the family

[Sun~Rose]

is it possible to ask a gp to test you to see if your are inclined to it?



thanks

[Finalshine]

No, the GP will just go through your family history, advise you don't drink, smoke, eat healthy etc. You shouldn't worry though, it can be picked up early and treatment now days is usually quite successful, with us alternative practices having our own methods as well.

Don't live your life in worry

[Rowanberry]

Yes. Go and see your GP. Explain your worries and concerns. The worst that can happen is that you are told not to worry and to stay clear of becoming obese, reduce the alcohol and stop smoking etc.

The best is that they can take your genuine worries and concerns seriously and after looking at your family history of cancer, suggest some personal life style changes.

You are not "wasting their time" You have a genuine worry and concern.

Go check it out.

Then reassured or armed with good information, you can make informed choices about living your life.

[CarolineN]

There are tests for things like prostate cancer that show up in the blood, and I believe there is a test available in USA for studying the gene base - very expensive indeed!

I would advise not to worry and to eat as healthily as you can, like here, take moderate excercise and reduce your worry factor. In fact I couln't suggest a better outlook on life than this one just posted by Nice-1.

As far as genetic markers are concerned, it has been found that genes can be switched on and off by the foods you are eating. It is a fairly new branch of biochemistry called Nutrigenomics, and see here and Geoff Bland is at the head of a research organisation which is testing the various food functions, but if you google it you'll find all sorts of very learned papers on the subject!!. Epigenetics is another slightly different study that looks at how a wider range of factors can influence genetic expression.

There is so much going on out there in scientific biochemical research and we are only just beginning to understand what's happening - there are exciting times ahead! I believe Functional Medicine is the medicine of the future - see the Institute for Functional Medicine.

Meanwhile have fun and enjoy life - whatever it has to offer .

[Sun~Rose]

thank you for all your replies.

I know worrying doesnt help.. but its the wondering side that makes me question it..

i will look at all the information you have provided.

i appreciate you taking the time to reply.

x

[kcatdeejay]

The latest scam is the 'cancer gene'-give me a break !!!!! There's no stopping the 'cancer purveyors'. NEWS FLASH- There are cancer genes flying unabated throughout the world. Cough up $3000 (US) and we can tell you if you are a lucky recipient !!! There's no end to these leaches !!!!

kcat

[Mountaineer]

The great majority of cancers are down to faulty diet and lifestyle, pure and simple.

By...
* not smoking or giving up smoking
*eating a healthy, natural diet - rich in fruit and vegetables (organic wherever and whenever possible, preferably all the time)
*avoiding red meat and dairy, or at least keeping intake to a minimum
* taking care to ensure your diet maintains a healthy alkaline:acid balance (don't consume too much acid-burning food)
*keeping your weight under control
*taking regular exercise - brisk walking is as good as anything
*getting sufficient sleep; finding time to relax and unwind and keeping stress levels under control
*limiting exposure to chemicals/pesticides
...you can considerably reduce your risk of contracting any form of cancer.

All such simple things and anyone can do them.
Your health is in your own hands!!!

[kcatdeejay]

No argument here, Mountaineer !!! Couldn't have said it better myself. My mantra for many years has been-'If you want to keep getting what you're getting, keep doing what you're doing'.......I chose not to belong to the cancer club in 2005......



kcat