Can I inherit cancer?

10/30/24 • 34 min

Our DNA is made up of 3000 million letters of code. They make up genes within our DNA and are responsible for how cells in our body grow and multiply. But what happens when something in that code goes wrong?

Welcome to another episode of That Cancer Conversation, a podcast from Cancer Research UK that brings together the science and the stories behind cancer.

In this episode, Sophie will be looking at the human genome and explore how changes in our DNA can increase our risk of getting cancer. Prof Mike Stratton, former director of the Wellcome Sanger Institute and a pioneer in cancer genetics, helps unpack this question and tells us how he and his team persevered to find the second BRCA gene (BRCA2) and its mutation.

It’s been 30 years since the discovery of the first BRCA gene, BRCA1. Sophie sits down with Maria, her sister, Chrissy, and their mother, all who were tested positive for the BRCA2 gene mutation. They discuss their cancer stories and how the life-changing discovery of the BRCA genes has affected them as a family.

Previous Episode

Longer, better lives: Ep.4 Can government policies prevent cancer?

In the UK 4 in 10 cancer cases are preventable.

But what can the government do to stop those 4 out of every 10 cancers before they even start?

Welcome to the fourth episode of our mini-series, That Cancer Conversation Longer, better lives.

In this episode, Sophie sits with Alizee Froguel who works on prevention policy here at Cancer Research UK. They discuss what’s causing most of these preventable cancers, the announcement of the general election and what's next for achieving a smokefree UK.

Next Episode

What are cancer vaccines? (Part 1)

We're back with the third season of That Cancer Conversation, the podcast from Cancer Research UK.

Have you heard of cancer vaccines? Maybe you've seen a headline or two, but what is a cancer vaccine?

In this episode, Sophie talks to Dr Heather Shaw, a skin cancer clinician and researcher at University College London, who is leading the first skin cancer (melanoma) vaccine trial in the UK. From what makes a cancer vaccine to discussing when we can see one in our clinics - we take a deep dive into the world of cancer vaccines.

Discover more about cancer vaccines --> Cancer vaccines - where are we?

If you enjoyed the episode, don't forget to subscribe and watch the new season all on our YouTube channel!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.