Question

Most mutations that cause cancer occur within body cells, and body cell mutations are not inherited. If cancer is not inherited, why does cancer statically appear to run in families?

Family members have a similar genetic make-up that may make them predisposed to cancer.
Family members are exposed to similar environmental conditions.
Family members have a widely varied genetic make-up that can be affected by specific mutagens.
Family members share the contagious mutagens that can be passed by close exposure.

Answer 1

Family members have a similar genetic make-up that may make them predisposed to cancer.

Step-by-step explanation:

Variation in certain genes can increase the risk of developing certain cancers. This is why certain cancers run in families. There are lots of examples where the risk factor is small, but in some cases, the risk factor is very large.

For example, mutations in BRCA1 are very highly linked to the risk of breast cancer. As a result, many women with mutations in this gene opt to get a mastectomy to reduce their chances of developing breast cancer.