Get notified of page updates

Is Cancer Genetic?

All cancers are caused by gene changes. Hereditary cancers are caused by mutations that can be passed down from parents to children. Stay up to date on hereditary cancer by signing up for our community newsletter.

Glossary on

off

Is cancer genetic?

All cancers are caused by damage to the genes in your cells. These changes are called “gene mutations.” When a cell with mutations divides, the damaged genes are passed on to the next generation of cells. Over time, cells can acquire enough mutations to stop working normally. As these cells grow out of control, they can become cancer. It usually takes many years for cells to build enough damage to become cancer.

Because all cancers are caused by gene mutations, all cancers are considered "genetic."

When people ask, "Is cancer genetic?" what many people really want to know is, "Can cancer risk can be passed down from parents to children?" or "Is cancer hereditary?"

Image depicting how normal cells accumulate damage leading to cancer over time. — When cells divide they create copies of themselves. Over time, cells can build up
enough damage to become cancer.

Watch our Videos

Is cancer hereditary?

Not all cancers are hereditary. About 10% of cancers are caused by inherited mutations that can be passed from parents to children. These inherited mutations increase the risk for cancer from generation to generation. Cancers caused by inherited mutations are known as "hereditary cancers." You can read more about inherited mutations and hereditary cancers here.