Fears About Familial Mm

My thoughts are obviously with my father and mother right now, but in the deep dark of the night, I'm worried too about the possibility that MM runs in my family.   My father's father died under mysterious circumstances from what my father calls "bone cancer."   MM could easily be mistaken for bone cancer.   

I was just wondering if any of you are from families where there may or could be a predominance of MM or MM plus some other related blood cancers.   

The way I deal with this is mostly just to focus on helping my parents through this, doing as much research as humanly possible, and just putting any notion of this out of my mind, but every now and then I do get scared.  

Cancer is just really scary.   Sorry for blathering on...

Good Evening Mike;

The article below may put your mind at ease. The Drs. pretty much have MM confined to 5 careers for high risk. Heredity is NOT one of them.

Take care;

Kevin

Hi Mike,

I am just beginning to find my way around on the computer.  Tonight I put in Google search "monoclonial protein studies explained in myeloma" and one of the articles it brought up was "Familial Multiple Myeloma:  Report on two families and discussion".  I read the abstract, but not the article.  You will need to sign in to read the article.  Sometimes the wording I use for searching brings up some strange stuff, but sometimes I get something useful.  I hope this is something you can use.

Thinking of you and your family and hoping for the best.

Jan

On 4/11/2008 K. C. wrote:

Good Evening Mike;

The article below may put your mind at ease. The Drs. pretty much have MM confined to 5 careers for high risk. Heredity is NOT one of them.

Take care;

Kevin

	Cancer and heredity
	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. All cancer is triggered by altered genes. However, only 5 to 10 per cent 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. Cancers with a genetic component These cancers do appear to have some genetic link: Breast cancer Bowel cancer Stomach cancer Prostate cancer. Genetics and breast cancer Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Australia women. There are almost 2,900 cases in Australia each year. This means that one in 11 women are affected by breast cancer during their life. Many risk factors can influence a woman’s chance of developing breast cancer. The most common risk factors are being a woman and getting older. Family history of breast or ovarian cancer is also an important risk factor in developing breast cancer. Hereditary factors are only responsible for about one in 20 cases of breast cancer (5%). Genetics and bowel cancer Bowel cancer is the second most common cancer in Australia after prostate cancer. There are almost 3,500 cases diagnosed in Australia each year. The biggest single risk factor is age. More than eight out of 10 bowel cancers are diagnosed in the over-60s. The risk of getting this disease increases as you get older. It is estimated that about two out of three bowel cancers could be prevented with changes in diet and lifestyle. Assessing a family history of cancer When a person has a ‘strong family history’ of cancer, it usually means that they have several relatives diagnosed with the same cancer, over different generations on the same side of the family. It can also mean that one or more relatives were diagnosed at an unusually young age. People who have a strong family history of cancer may be offered a referral to a specialist genetics service. Understanding an individual’s family history usually includes checking the cancer diagnoses of the person’s relatives by obtaining pathology reports. An estimate of the risk of cancer to the individual may be provided. If indicated, certain additional tests can be helpful in the risk assessment. In some situations, genetic testing may be appropriate and might be offered after careful discussion about its implications. People assessed to have a higher than average risk of cancer will be referred to a specialist. They can talk to the person about having screening so as to detect signs of cancer as early as possible. This can ensure prompt treatment and optimal outcome. Genetics may make you more vulnerable Genetics may mean that some people are more vulnerable to cancer than others; however, environmental factors often determine which of these people will develop the disease. Current research suggests that most cancers are caused by environmental factors, such as diet and smoking. Where to get help Your doctor Multilingual Cancer Information Line, Victoria - see the CCV website for contact details Things to remember Latest research suggests that most cancers are caused by environmental rather than genetic factors. The cancers with the highest genetic contribution include breast, bowel, stomach and prostate cancers. Referral to a specialist cancer genetics service may be appropriate for people with a strong family history of cancer.	Content partner More information Print fact sheet Listen to fact sheet Email fact sheet
	You might also be interested in: Breast cancer and oestrogen. Cancer explained. Genetic testing for inherited cancer. Prostate cancer. Want to know more? Go to More information for support groups, related links and references. This page has been produced in consultation with, and approved by: (Logo links to further information) This page has been produced in consultation with, and approved by:   Genetic Health Services Victoria    Copyight © 1999/2008  State of Victoria. Reproduced from the Better Health Channel (www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au) at no cost with permission of the Victorian Minister for Health. Unauthorised reproduction and other uses comprised in the copyright are prohibited without permission. • This Better Health Channel fact sheet has passed through a rigorous approval process. For the latest updates and more information visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au.    Fact sheet currently being reviewed. Last updated: February 2007 Quality assurance This fact sheet, like all fact sheets on the Better Health Channel, has passed through a rigorous and exhaustive approval process. It is also regularly updated. For more information see our quality assurance page.

Thanks,

I was actually feeling really terrible about myself for having this in my mind at a time like this.

Your post is much appreciated.

Mike

Thanks for your post. Actually, I have a sizeable folder full of studies about family clusters.   I  feel guilty for having this in my mind at a time like this.

Today I realized that I'm not that worried about it or focused on it.  I can't afford to think about that right now.   My goal is just to be there 100% for my parents, as much as possible.

In a worst case scenario, if I have it, maybe at least I will be helpful to science!  :-) 

Your post is much appreciated.

Mike

From Anna,

 Hi MCrow, Once again hi.  Dad got MM from Agent Orange when he was in Vietanam. Was your grandfather around pesticides. That's one thing that causes MM.  Agent Orange is a pesticide.

Your friend,

Anna