Cancer runs in my family. How can I cut my risk?
Cancer Center expert featured in New York Times article
The University of Cincinnati Cancer Center's Syed Ahmad was featured in a New York Times article discussing ways to reduce your risk of cancer when it runs in your family.
Ahmad said patients may be referred to a genetic specialist to check for gene changes that increase your risk if your doctor deems it necessary.
“A lot of times, patients are scared to go to a genetic counselor” because of “fear of the unknown,” said Ahmad, interim director of the Cancer Center, professor, Hayden Family Endowed Chair for Cancer Research, section chief of surgical oncology and vice chair for faculty development in the Department of Surgery in UC's College of Medicine.
Ahmad added that having genetic variants doesn't guarantee you will develop cancer. But common genes tested for include the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes if several family members have had breast cancer, or Lynch syndrome if multiple relatives have had colon cancer. Lynch syndrome is an inheritable genetic condition that can increase colon cancer risk by up to 80% for men and 60% for women.
Read the New York Times article.
Featured photo at top of Dr. Ahmad. Photo/University of Cincinnati Cancer Center.
Related Stories
These teeny spiders are social media stars
August 28, 2026
The New York Times turned to a University of Cincinnati professor to explain the appeal of jumping spiders on social media.
An internal divide among unions on AI impacts the Wisconsin gubernatorial race
August 28, 2026
Anne Lofaso, a professor in the Donald P. Klekamp College of Law at UC, spoke with Wisconsin Public Radio, about the schism among unions over AI and whether it is a plus, a negative, or somewhere in between when looking at job creation.
On-site training in Speech & Hearing Clinic sets UC’s programs apart
August 27, 2026
At the University of Cincinnati’s Speech & Hearing Clinic, Doctor of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology graduate students gain real-world experience while providing free speech and hearing services to the community.