By Catherine Murombedzi

WE have heard people say that so and so inherited cancer from a parent since cancers run high in that family tree.
I have taken interest in that issue. The Cancer Registry listed hereditary cancer as a gene mutation.
It stated: “Some people are born with a gene mutation that they inherited from their mother or father. This damaged gene puts them at higher risk for cancer than most people. When cancer occurs because of an inherited gene mutation, it is referred to as hereditary cancer.”
It further states that there can be other genes that can cause: Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) syndrome.
Scientists believe that there might also be other genes that can cause (HBOC.) The risk of breast and ovarian cancer is very high in women with mutations in either BRCA1 or BRCA2, but it tends to be higher with BRCA1 mutations, said the Cancer Research UK.
This type of cancer occurs when someone inherited faulty genes that increase their risk of developing particular types of cancer. Genetic testing is available for some of these faulty genes.
Genes play a role in the development of some cancers. The link is strongest for breast, bowel and stomach cancers.
Current research suggests that environmental factors such as tobacco, diet, infection, alcohol, drugs, radiation and chemicals are more important than genetic (hereditary) factors in determining development of most cancers.

Cancer is triggered by altered genes. However, only five to 10 percent of cancers are actually hereditary. 

Heredity may sometimes appear to be the reason for a cancer, especially when the same types of cancers run in families.
These cancers do appear to have some genetic link:
– Breast cancer
– Bowel cancer
– Stomach cancer
– Prostate cancer.
The Cancer Association of Zimbabwe has a treatment plan designed to potentially cure cancer using one or a combination of interventions.
Complete destruction of cancer cells without damage to the rest of the body is the goal of treatment.
However, healthy tissue can be destroyed during the treatment process but healthy tissue have the ability to regenerate or repair themselves.
Individuals are unique beings, with unique circumstances and biological factors thus treatment options vary from person to person. The choice of treatment depends upon the location, size, grade, and stage of cancer, as well as the general condition of the patient.
Before each treatment option is commenced the oncologist (cancer specialist) discusses available treatment options, the anticipated outcomes, possible side effects, care and follow-up during and after treatment with the patient and or family.
Due to advances in medical science, there have been many breakthroughs in the treatment of cancer, enabling more and more patients to have a better chance of long-term survival.
In Zimbabwe there are limited options in the cancer treatment scope.
Radiotherapy which is considered the most appropriate option is beyond the reach of many. It costs between US$3000 and US$4000, a figure not afforded by many.
For patients requiring both radiotherapy and chemotherapy the weight on the pocket becomes unbearable. Chemotherapy costs from $100 to $1000 per cycle depending on the stage that the cancer has advanced to.
A patient may need a minimum of six cycles.
Cancer Association of Zimbabwe monitoring and evaluation officer, Mr Lovemore Makurirofa said many people ignored the early warning signs.
He said for almost all cancers it took many years to develop to the stages that it would have been detected.
“For almost all cancers, it takes about 10 years from its progression to stage One,” he said.
“In Zimbabwe about 81 percent of cancers recorded, are diagnosed at an advanced stage,” said Mr Makurirofa.
The most occurring cancers among Zimbabweans of all races are cervical at 18 percent, Kaposi’s sarcoma at 10 percent, breast and prostate cancers at 7 percent, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and non-melamon skin cancer at 6 percent, oesophagus and colo-rectal cancer at 4 percent, eye cancer at 3 percent and other cancers accounting to 35 percent of the registered cancers, the Cancer Association noted.
Cancer treatment in Zimbabwe is highly centralised with only two public health facilities offering comprehensive treatment and care services.
The two are Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare and Mpilo Hospital in Bulawayo.
Early detection saves lives and everyone is encouraged to get screened, once a year.
October is breast cancer month and a number of institutions are offering free services.