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Question
Hello. My mother died of colon cancer ( spread to Liver) at the age of 59. Her diet was not good and she didn't really look after herself. I am 52, active, eat healthily, don't smoke, drink a little red wine ( 2 units a month max) and am worried I might follow in her footsteps. Will I be genetically programmed to get the same disease at the same age? I am very concerned. I have too much to do to die!
There is a risk that you do carry a genetic "burden" for this. Since not all genetics is known at present there is no genetic testing in your case that I can recommend. Instead I do suggest that you regularly - at least once a year - undergo a colonoscopy examination. That way most of your risks should be eliminated. Good luck!
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Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D.
Expertise
I`m a doctor of medicine and a specialist in radiation therapy and medical oncology. I have long experience with regards to this cancer.
Experience
I'm a Doctor of Medicine and specialist in Medical Oncology and Radiation Therapy educated & trained in Sweden. Now retired. Background in Radiation Therapy, Medical Oncology, Radiation Protection, Nuclear Medicine, Diagnostic Radiology, Gynecological Oncology, Clinical Pathology, Clinical Cytology,Hematology and Internal Medicine. M.D. from the faculty of medicine, Royal Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. Have also been an exchange student at the Hebrew University, Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem Israel. Former medical consultant, Swedish National Board of Radiation Protection. Former Police Surgeon and Medical Examiner, Stockholm Police Department. Former Chief Medical Officer, The Royal Guards, The Royal Horse Guards and the Royal Household Brigade, Royal Swedish Army Medical Corps. You can also reach me on: http://www.lifestylerescue.com/expert/health-fitness-advice/dr-claes-gustaf/128 I have no restrictions on the number of questions there.
I also answer questions in these categories:
Oncology (General Cancer),
General History,
Military History,
Brain Tumors,
Breast Cancer.
Education/Credentials
I'm a medical doctor and a specialist in medical oncology & radiation therapy.
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