Nurse Catherine has given you a comprehensive response.

In short, it depends on the type of cancer. A small number of cancers are caused by genetic defects but far more are caused by lifestyle issues. My Mum used to list all the people on her side of the family who had died of cancer and say it ran in her family.
 

As a cheeky teenager, I used to point out that without exception they'd all smoked over 30 a day, were all obese or at least heavily overweight and that most of them were also heavy drinkers! 

She died of cancer aged 70 and never did stop smoking until diagnosed at stage 3. 
 

It wouldn't hurt to ask your GP but be prepared for some lifestyle questions.

Best wishes

Dave
 

Nurse Catherine has given you a comprehensive response.

In short, it depends on the type of cancer. A small number of cancers are caused by genetic defects but far more are caused by lifestyle issues. My Mum used to list all the people on her side of the family who had died of cancer and say it ran in her family.
 

As a cheeky teenager, I used to point out that without exception they'd all smoked over 30 a day, were all obese or at least heavily overweight and that most of them were also heavy drinkers! 

She died of cancer aged 70 and never did stop smoking until diagnosed at stage 3. 
 

It wouldn't hurt to ask your GP but be prepared for some lifestyle questions.

Best wishes

Dave