Dr. Rajesh Kumar Reddy Adapala, Consultant Uro-Oncologist, Centre for Uro Oncology,
AINU Banjarahills
World Cancer Day Message, Special focus on Familial Urological cancers
Hyderabad, February 2nd 2026:
In many Indian homes, cancer is still spoken about in hushed voices. we often believe that it is a matter of fate — something that cannot be predicted or prevented. However, doctors are increasingly seeing that in some families, cancer appears again and again, across generations. This is not something to fear, but something to understand.
Cancers related to the urinary system — such as those affecting the kidney, urinary bladder, prostate and testis — are among the conditions where family history plays an important role. These cancers often grow silently in the beginning and may not cause pain or major symptoms early on. As a result, many patients seek medical help only when the disease has already advanced.
For instance prostate cancer runs in family in case of BRCA mutations, Urinary bladder and ureteric tumors are seen in lynch syndrome, similarly VHL syndrome for kidney cancer.
Red flags:
Cancer does not always come without warning. Sometimes, the warning lies in the family history itself. When parents, siblings, or close relatives have suffered from cancer, other family members may carry a higher risk. This does not mean that everyone in the family will develop cancer. It simply means they should be more alert about their health.
Following are the red flags:
• Cancer in more than one close relative
• Cancer occurring at a young age
• Same organ cancer in multiple family members
• Multiple cancers in one person
• Combination of urological + colorectal / breast / ovarian cancers
How to detect them before it’s too late?
If these red flags are present → genetic evaluation is strongly advised.
Knowing family history helps doctors decide who needs early and regular check-ups. These may include simple blood tests, ultrasound scans or routine examinations.
Families with a history of cancer must be especially careful not to ignore such signs.
Case 1:
We treated a patient 50 years old, no addictions, presented with loss of weight and appetite. His two sisters had breast cancer. PET CT scan showed cancer in stomach as well as in prostate. Genetic work-up suggests BRCA mutation. At the time of presentation disease was locally advanced, hence he needed multiple treatments- surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. His treatment could have been simplified if diagnosed in early stage.
Case 2:
54 years male presented with blood in urine. On evaluation he was found to have urinary bladder and ureteric tumors. He himself underwent surgery for colonic cancer 3 years ago. Upon further probing he revealed that multiple members in his family had similar tumors. It’s a case of lynch syndrome. To complicate this matter, all marriages in his family are consanguineous, which further increases the risk of developing these cancers in progeny.
Case 3:
A teenager came to us with on and off headache, excessive sweating and palpitations. On further evaluation we found that he has adrenal tumor which hypersecretes certain hormones leading these symptoms. To our surprise CT scan also showed tumors in both the kidneys and pancreatic cysts. It’s a classic VHL syndrome. Multiplee family mebers had the same tumors..
Take home message:
World Cancer Day theme (2025–2027): United by Unique — the official campaign theme places people at the centre of cancer care, highlighting that every person’s experience with cancer is unique yet united by a shared need for better care, understanding, and action.
Every family should know its health history. Parents should share important medical information with their children. Young adults should not hesitate to inform their doctors about illnesses in the family.
Cancer detected early is often curable. Cancer detected late becomes difficult to treat. The difference between the two is often just awareness and timely medical advice.
On this World Cancer Day, let us remember that prevention begins at home. A simple conversation today can prevent serious illness tomorrow.
When cancer runs in the family, awareness must run faster.