Final answer:
All the listed cancers (Breast, Colon, Prostate, and Retinoblastoma) can have a genetic basis. While genetic mutations such as those in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes contribute to hereditary breast cancer, other listed cancers also have hereditary forms. Genetic testing can determine susceptibility to these cancers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student asked which of the following cancers have a genetic basis: A) Breast, B) Colon, C) Prostate, D) Retinoblastoma, E) All of the above. The answer is E) All of the above. Each of these cancers can have a hereditary component, though not all cases are due to inherited factors.
Breast cancer, for example, can be caused by inherited mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Colon cancer can also be hereditary, particularly in cases like familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome. Prostate cancer can run in families, and certain genes, including BRCA2, may be involved in hereditary cases. Retinoblastoma is often caused by mutations in the RB1 gene and can be inherited from a parent.
Genetic testing is available for individuals with a family history of these cancers to determine if they have inherited specific cancer-causing mutations. However, it is essential to remember that environmental factors also play a significant role, and inheriting a genetic mutation does not guarantee that an individual will develop cancer.