General cancer question

Are risk factors for all cancers basically the same when it comes to family members / relatives who have been diagnosed with cancer. I am an only child. I do have 25 cousins. Don't know too much about them, including health history.

Just found out that a cousin on my father's side had breast cancer in 2001. Was not DCIS, but she did only need lumpectomy, radiation, and Tamoxifen for treatment. Same cousin was diagnosed not long ago with early colon cancer. At this point, treatment is surgery only.

Are first cousins with cancer a risk factor for me?

Mary D.

I think there's a greater risk if your parents, grandparents or siblings have cancer. But as far as I've been able to tell, the "hereditary link" risk for ovarian cancer is only 10-15%. I know two daughters of mothers who died of ovarian cancer (my masseuse and my best friend from college), and neither is particularly worried. They both watch their diet and lifestyle, though.

I hope someone else has more information to share. Mine is not science-based. :-)

Hugs, Mary!