You may inherit your mother's eyes, your father's cheekbones — and possibly grandpa's colorectal cancer. Having a family history of cancer can increase your risk of developing certain cancers. Adopting similar behaviors — like tobacco use or being obese — that your relatives had can also contribute to your risk.

Does having a family member with cancer mean you’ll get cancer?

Having a relative — even a close relative, like a parent, child or sibling — with cancer does not guarantee you will develop it, too. Cancer is prevalent, and it's likely you know someone in your family who has had it.

There are cancer risk factors that can run in families. You don't have to inherit these from your parents. Alcohol use, unhealthy weight, smoking and a high-fat diet are risk factors often common in families due to shared behaviors.

The likelihood of developing cancer can also be passed along in your genes. Since cancer causes certain cells to grow uncontrollably, your DNA may increase your risk for some cancers.

What should I do if I have a family history of cancer?

There are three key steps if you have a family history of cancer:

• Know. You can’t lower your risk if you're unaware. Ask your loved ones about cancer occurrences in your family. Did your parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents, etc., have cancer? Family gatherings are a great time to ask.
• Control. Manage the cancer risk factors you can control. You can't change your age, ethnicity or family history, but you can manage your weight, tobacco use and other risk factors.
• Watch. Discuss your family history of cancer with your medical provider. Make sure they're aware of the cancer type and how close the relative was. They may recommend early cancer detection through screening to catch it as early as possible.

Family History of Cancer Frequently Asked Questions

What is considered a family history of cancer?
A family history of cancer includes having one or more close relatives who have been diagnosed with cancer. This can include parents, siblings or children.

What should you do if your family has a history of cancer?
If your family has a history of cancer, consider seeking genetic testing for cancer risk, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and discussing screening options with your doctor.

Can 4 in 10 cancers be prevented?
Yes, research suggests that 4 in 10 cancers can be prevented by avoiding known cancer risk factors, such as tobacco use and obesity.

Which cancers cluster strongly in families?
Cancers that commonly cluster in families include breast, colorectal, ovarian and prostate cancer.

When to worry about a family history of cancer?  
You should be concerned if multiple family members have had the same type of cancer or if there were early-onset cases. Consider early detection of cancer through regular screenings and consultations with healthcare professionals.