Everyone has questions concerning cancer and Michael Sherman, medical director for Contra Costa Oncology, would like to answer yours. Contra Costa Oncology has offices in Walnut Creek, Concord, San Ramon and Rossmoor.  If you have questions for Dr. Sherman, e-mail Donna Lynn Rhodes or Martha Ross, editor of Walnut Creek Patch, at martha@patch.com. 

Q: Both of my parents had cancer am I more likely to develop it?
A: It is possible that your cancer or risk for cancer is inherited. There are inherited cancer syndromes that come from genes that are mutated in the ‘germ line’ that is in every cell, and passed on through the sperm or egg. There are cancer susceptibility genes that put some individuals at more risk for developing some types of cancer. You may have heard of the BRCA gene that can increase the risk for both breast and ovarian cancer. It is actually a DNA repair gene and when mutated, cells cannot repair themselves and are more susceptible to additional genetic changes that lead to cancer. There is also the Lynch syndrome that is associated with colon cancer. Scientists are discovering new inherited cancer genes all the time so it is important to update your family history of cancer every time you see your doctor and ask them if you should be tested

Q:  Please explain the correlation or connection soy products play with breast cancer.
A: This is a moving target and we don’t have a definitive answer. What we do know is soy is plant-based estrogen and we know estrogen can promote breast cancer. I have seen studies that show soy can both promote or inhibit breast cancer. The only dietary recommendations I make are to eat everything in moderation. I would avoid eating soy as the exclusive source of your protein.