Fans of “Full House” were deeply affected by Dave Coulier’s diagnosis of stage 3 Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. However, another important aspect of his story has resonated with many.

The 65-year-old actor revealed to People magazine that he learned about his diagnosis in October after noticing swelling in his lymph nodes due to an upper respiratory infection. “Three days later, my doctors called and said, ‘We wish we had better news, but you have non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. It’s B cell and very aggressive,'” he shared.

Coulier spoke out about his “personal battle” because “cancer has touched nearly all of us.” He mentioned that he lost his mother, sister, and niece to cancer, with his mother and sister specifically succumbing to breast cancer. Additionally, he disclosed that his older sister is currently undergoing treatment for cancer.

According to Beth Peshkin, a genetic counselor and oncology professor at Georgetown University’s Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, “Approximately one-third of people without a previous cancer diagnosis have a first-degree relative, like a parent or sibling, who has been diagnosed with cancer.” This statistic highlights the prevalence of cancer.

Though cancer tendencies can appear in families, it doesn’t automatically imply a specific gene is to blame. The American Cancer Society states that only about 5% to 10% of cancer cases are strongly tied to genetic mutations inherited from parents.

Those who are concerned about their risk for cancer should consult healthcare professionals to determine appropriate testing protocols, which may differ from the general population’s advice.

“Being aware of your family history and sharing this information with your healthcare provider is crucial. It can influence when to begin cancer screenings and the screening strategy, including potential genetic testing,” advises Dr. Veda Giri, a medical oncologist and head of the Cancer Genetics and Prevention Program at Yale Cancer Center and Smilow Cancer Hospital.

Assessing Hereditary Cancer Risk

Coulier’s family background may prompt you to reflect on how many of your own relatives have had cancer and what types they faced.

“Some types of cancers are more frequently seen in certain families,” Giri points out. “For instance, some families are known for specific cancers, like breast, colon, or prostate cancers, while others may experience various types linked to inherited genetic changes.”

Having multiple generations with the same type(s) of cancer, especially when diagnosed at a young age, indicates a higher likelihood of hereditary risk, according to Dr. Mohamed Abazeed, co-leader of the Lung Cancer Program at Northwestern University’s Lurie Cancer Center.

The Evolution of Screening Practices

Screening recommendations differ for various cancer types. However, having a family history of cancer might affect the timeline of your screenings. For women with a family history of breast cancer, they should begin testing “10 years earlier than the youngest diagnosed first-degree relative, which may include breast MRI alongside mammograms,” says Giri.

For colon cancer, screenings are advised “10 years before a first-degree relative’s diagnosis age.”

When discussing cancer risk, a doctor may suggest genetic testing. The results could influence awareness rather than treatment approaches, says Dr. Emil Lou, a medicine professor at the University of Minnesota. “Awareness can help individuals recognize concerning symptoms unconnected to other causes,” he adds.

Aside from genetic influences, environmental and lifestyle factors such as smoking or obesity could also contribute to familial cancer trends.

Ongoing research into inherited cancers is expected to unveil significant insights in the future. For now, it’s important to explore your family history, ask questions, and consult with healthcare professionals. This could be a crucial step for your and your family’s health.