Rare Gene Mutation: 9 Family Members in Henan Suffer from Cancer, 8 Pass Away

On March 6th, news of Mr. Qin and his family of 9 in Zhengzhou, Henan Province, where 8 members have died of cancer, trended on Weibo, sparking widespread attention.

According to the report by Yangzi Evening News, in March 2023, 60-year-old Mr. Qin began coughing persistently and had blood in his phlegm. Upon examination at the hospital, shadows were found in his lungs, and he was diagnosed with lung squamous cell carcinoma. During his treatment, his brother was also diagnosed with lung and liver cancer, and passed away.

After further inquiry by doctors, it was discovered that 9 members in his family had various types of tumors – one had esophageal cancer, two had stomach cancer, his father had lung cancer, his uncle had stomach cancer, another uncle had stomach cancer, his elder brother had stomach cancer, and his younger brother had liver and lung cancer. Currently, 8 of them have passed away.

Mr. Qin mentioned that they all enjoyed smoking, consuming two to three packs a day, suspecting a connection between their cancer diagnoses and smoking.

Doctors pointed out that the older generation in Mr. Qin’s family had worked in a very complex occupational environment and had a long history of smoking. They suggested genetic testing for the family, which revealed a rare genetic mutation in their lineage, possibly being the main cause of familial cancer.

However, doctors emphasized that genes cannot be changed, but lifestyle modifications such as quitting smoking can reduce the risk of cancer.

The news stirred attention online, with many netizens expressing their sorrow and emphasizing the importance of paying attention to family medical history, undergoing regular check-ups, and preventing illnesses in advance. Some commented on the increasing number of cancer cases, warning about the potential risks in daily consumption.

There were also personal stories shared, like one about a family where several members had faced cancer and other serious illnesses, possibly due to genetic predisposition. Such stories serve as a stark reminder of the importance of genetic awareness and proactive health measures in the face of hereditary conditions.