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Will I get my brother or sister’s cancer?
Youth Cancer Service
It’s normal to wonder – and worry – whether because your brother or sister has cancer you could get it.
It’s not like catching a cold
You may worry that you will catch cancer (no it’s not a silly thought). You can’t. It is not a contagious disease. So there are definitely no problems with sharing mugs, or hugs.
Did it get passed down from our parents (like eye colour)?
Most cancers are not passed down from parent to child. However there are some cancers that do have a genetic component. That is, they are caused by a faulty gene that may have been inherited (passed down from parent to child).
Only a small number of cancers (between 5-10% or less than 1 in 10) seem to be the result of having a faulty gene and these tend to be the cancers that affect older people.
If you are worried about this talk to your parents or ask their doctor.
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More helpful info if your sibling has cancer
Exams are important for future opportunities, but can be extremely stressful, and these feelings can be compounded by a cancer experience. Read some tips on how best to cope.
You're not alone
Chat with people who get you. Get time out at our fun events. Talk to a counsellor (it’s free!).