Is cancer inherited?

Answer by  Kristina21 (78)

In some cases, yes. With cancers such as breast cancer, genes can be passed down to further generations, therefore, making it more likely to develop. On the other hand, with skin cancer, it is far more likely to develop simply from having too much exposure to the sun's rays.

Answer by  John (9008)

Different types of cancer have different risk factors. For some forms of cancer, heredity is a very major factor. For other types, it makes little difference. In any event, it is never certain to be inherited. Heredity is, at most, one of several risk factors.

Answer by  Division1TrackAthlete (79)

Although cancer itself is not heritable, the likelihood of a person to contract cancer increases when they have relatives who suffer from cancer. Cancer does indeed have a genetic component, but it is not one which will definitely result in a person contracting it.

Answer by  sockrocks (1)

cancer is inherited!