Question: Why are some people more likely to get cancer than other people?

Ellie Dunstone answered on 11 May 2020:

Some people have mutated versions of genes that protect against cancer, making them more susceptible to it or to certain types of it. Other people seem to have cancer run in their families, but scientists haven’t yet been able to identify what the genetic cause for this is. Other people are more likely to get it due to lifestyle choices, eg. smokers are more likely to get lung cancer, and people who spend a lot of time in the sun without sunscreen are more likely to get skin cancer. A lot of cancer cases are thought to just be “bad luck” though – with no obvious genetic or lifestyle reason behind them – although it’s possible that there may be a reason and scientists just don’t know it yet. Hope this is helpful!