{"id":816,"date":"2020-04-17T13:07:29","date_gmt":"2020-04-17T17:07:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/?page_id=816"},"modified":"2025-12-11T12:01:35","modified_gmt":"2025-12-11T17:01:35","slug":"genetics","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/mesothelioma\/diagnosis\/genetics\/","title":{"rendered":"Genetic Risk Factors for Mesothelioma"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2>Is Mesothelioma Genetic?<\/h2>\n<p>No, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/mesothelioma\/\">mesothelioma<\/a> isn\u2019t considered a genetic disease. <strong>It\u2019s a rare type of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. <\/strong>However, some people are born with certain changes in their DNA that make them more likely to get sick after asbestos exposure. This is known as a genetic predisposition to mesothelioma.<strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>A predisposition doesn\u2019t mean you will definitely get mesothelioma \u2014 it only means your risk may be higher than average.<\/p>\n<p>Also, even if someone in your family has a gene mutation linked to mesothelioma, it\u2019s not guaranteed they\u2019ll develop the cancer. Knowing your family\u2019s medical background can help you take precautions and make informed decisions about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/mesothelioma\/diagnosis\/screening\/\">mesothelioma screening<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re worried about your family\u2019s genetic risk, we\u2019ll connect you with specialists who can help. Use our <strong>Free Doctor Match<\/strong> to find someone in your area.<\/p>\n<div id=\"25223\" class=\"one-off-25223 widget widget_oscar-vque one-off\" data-vqueid=\"25223\"><style type=\"text\/css\" data-style=\"one-off\">.one-off-25223{margin:60px auto}.one-off-25223 a{box-shadow:0 4px 4px 0 rgba(0,0,0,.25);display:block;background:#e4f4f6;padding:20px 25px 200px;text-decoration:none;color:inherit;position:relative;overflow:hidden;max-width:360px;margin:0 auto}.one-off-25223 a::before{background:#0FAEBF;border-radius:50% 50% 0 0;content:'';position:absolute;bottom:0;height:19%;width:135%;left:-60px;z-index:0}.one-off-25223 .vque-content,.one-off-25223 .image-wrap{z-index:1;position:relative}.one-off-25223 .image-wrap{width:100%;position:absolute;left:-10px;bottom:-15px}.one-off-25223 .image-wrap img{position:absolute;bottom:0;width:100%;max-width:unset;left:0}.one-off-25223 .heading{font-size:27px;line-height:33px;text-align:center;display:block;max-width:340px;margin:5px auto 25px}.one-off-25223 ul{list-style:none;margin:-10px auto 22px;text-align:left;font-size:16px;line-height:26px}.one-off-25223 ul li{margin:0 0 15px;position:relative;padding-left:35px}.one-off-25223 ul li::before{font-family:\"mesohope\"!important;speak:none;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;font-variant:normal;text-transform:none;line-height:1;content:\"\\e904\";background:#0FAEBF;width:21px;height:21px;display:block;position:absolute;left:0;top:4px;border-radius:50%;color:#fff;font-size:11px;text-align:center;line-height:21px}.one-off-25223 p{text-align:center}.one-off-25223 .button{padding:12px 16px;display:block}@media screen and (min-width:768px){.one-off-25223 a{max-width:620px;padding:30px 30px 35px;border-radius:0 0 4px 4px}.one-off-25223 a::before{border-radius:50%;height:155%;width:150%;right:-550px;left:unset;bottom:-295px}.one-off-25223 .heading{text-align:left;margin:2px 0 25px;max-width:unset;font-size:24px}.one-off-25223 ul{margin:-7px 0 30px;max-width:365px;line-height:23px}.one-off-25223 ul li::before{top:1px}.one-off-25223 .image-wrap{max-width:unset;position:absolute;right:-25px;bottom:-35px;margin:0 0 -2px;left:unset;width:380px}.one-off-25223 .image-wrap img{position:relative;bottom:0;left:0;width:380px}.one-off-25223 .button{display:inline-block;padding:14px 25px}.one-off-25223 p{text-align:left}}@media screen and (min-width:1150px){.one-off-25223 a{padding:30px}}<\/style><a href=\"\/get-matched\/\" title=\"Get Matched With a Mesothelioma Doctor\" class=\"cte\" data-ce-category=\"In-Content Ads\" data-ce-label=\"Get Matched With a Mesothelioma Doctor Ad\"><div>\r\n    <div class=\"vque-content\">\r\n        <strong class=\"heading\">Get Matched With a Mesothelioma Doctor<\/strong>\r\n        <ul>\r\n            <li>Find top specialists near you<\/li>\r\n            <li>Seek compensation for travel & care<\/li>\r\n            <li>Get medical guidance<\/li>\r\n        <\/ul>\r\n        <p><strong class=\"button arrow\" title=\"Get Matched Now\">Get Matched Now<\/strong><\/p>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\"  src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Doctors-ad.png\" alt=\"Get Matched With a Mesothelioma Doctor\" class=\"lazyload\" ><\/div>\r\n<\/div><\/a><\/div>\n<h2>Top 5 Genetic Risk Factors for Mesothelioma<\/h2>\n<p>Specific gene mutations can make asbestos more dangerous or affect how quickly mesothelioma develops after you\u2019re exposed. Many of these mutations occur in tumor suppressor genes, which normally help regulate cell growth and prevent tumors from forming.<\/p>\n<p>These genetic changes don\u2019t cause cancer on their own, but they can influence how your body repairs the damage, how fast tumors grow, and how well <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/treatment\/\">mesothelioma treatments<\/a> work.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Below are the top 5 genes linked to mesothelioma risk:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/mesothelioma\/diagnosis\/genetics\/bap1\/\"><strong>BAP1<\/strong><\/a><strong>:<\/strong> This is the most common gene mutation connected to mesothelioma. It stands for BRCA1-associated protein 1. People with BAP1 tumor predisposition syndrome may develop cancer even after relatively little asbestos exposure.<\/li>\n<li><strong>CDKN2A:<\/strong> When this gene doesn\u2019t work properly, cells can grow and divide too quickly, which may cause mesothelioma tumors to form faster.<\/li>\n<li><strong>LATS2:<\/strong> Changes in this gene are often found in more aggressive types of mesothelioma.<\/li>\n<li><strong>NF2:<\/strong> This helps control a protein called merlin to prevent tumors from forming. When NF2 is mutated, mesothelioma cancer cells can grow and spread more easily. NF2 gene loss is also common in people with mutations in the LATS2 gene.<\/li>\n<li><strong>TP53:<\/strong> Sometimes called the \u201cguardian of the genome,\u201d this gene helps control cell growth and repair. When TP53 is mutated, it can\u2019t repair DNA damage effectively, allowing cells to become cancerous.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>These genetic changes don\u2019t cause mesothelioma by themselves \u2014 but they can make asbestos exposure far more dangerous.<\/p>\n<div class=\"blockquote-w-image \"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/joseph-friedberg-md.png\" alt=\"\" \/><blockquote><p>&#8220;I routinely see patients who had the same exposure to asbestos as their family member, who I am treating for mesothelioma.&#8221;<\/p>\n<footer>&ndash;<cite> Dr. Joseph Friedberg, mesothelioma specialist at Fox Chase Cancer Center<\/cite><\/footer><\/blockquote><style type=\"text\/css\">.blockquote-w-image{position:relative;margin:40px auto}.blockquote-w-image blockquote{background:none;border-left:none;padding:25px;margin-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote footer cite{font-size:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote p{margin-bottom:0}.blockquote-w-image img{width:100px;border:none;border-radius:100%;box-shadow:none;position:relative;margin:0 auto}.blockquote-w-image.alternative{margin:60px auto}.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote{padding:25px 25px 25px 80px;padding-bottom:25px;background-color:#E4F4F6}.blockquote-w-image.alternative img{position:absolute;left:20px;top:25px;z-index:1;width:50px;border:1px solid #fff;box-shadow:0 0 10px rgba(34,34,34,0.2);border-radius:100%}.blockquote-w-image.with-border{background:none;border-left:4px solid #0FAEBF}.blockquote-w-image.with-border blockquote{background:none;border-radius:0;padding:10px 25px}.blockquote-w-image.with-border blockquote footer cite{font-size:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote:before{display:none}@media screen and (min-width: 769px){.blockquote-w-image img{position:absolute;left:0;top:0}.blockquote-w-image blockquote{padding:0 25px 0 125px;min-height:90px}}@media screen and (min-width: 1024px){.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote{padding-left:105px}.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote footer cite{font-size:16px}.entry-content .blockquote-w-image.alternative img{width:60px;left:25px}}<\/style><\/div>\n<h2>Is There Genetic Testing for Mesothelioma?<\/h2>\n<p>Yes, genetic testing can detect inherited mutations that may increase the risk of mesothelioma cancer. The process usually involves taking a blood or saliva sample and having it analyzed in a certified lab.<\/p>\n<p>A genetic counselor can explain what the results mean and whether other relatives should be tested.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Testing may be an option if you:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Have been exposed to asbestos<\/li>\n<li>Have a family member diagnosed with mesothelioma<\/li>\n<li>Know of a BAP1 or related gene mutation in your family<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Health insurers and employers cannot use your genetic information to deny coverage or discriminate against you. These rights are protected under the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA).<\/p>\n<p>However, GINA doesn\u2019t cover legal matters or compensation claims. If you\u2019re thinking about filing a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/legal\/lawsuit\/\">mesothelioma lawsuit<\/a> for asbestos exposure, it\u2019s best to speak with an attorney before sharing any genetic testing results.<\/p>\n<p>Get our <strong>Free Mesothelioma Guide<\/strong> for details on the latest tests, treatments, and compensation options for patients and families.<\/p>\n<div data-vqueid=\"1361\" class=\"widget widget_oscar-vque default image-right has-img\"><style type=\"text\/css\" data-style=\"default\">.widget_oscar-vque.default{margin:60px auto;max-width:315px}.widget_oscar-vque.default:first-child{margin-top:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a{background:#2F293D;display:block;padding:20px;border-radius:10px;color:#fff;text-decoration:none}.widget_oscar-vque.default img{margin:0 auto 20px;max-width:150px;width:100%}.widget_oscar-vque.default .vque-content{font-size:16px;text-align:center}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.subheading{display:block;line-height:1;font-size:14px;margin-bottom:5px}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.heading{font-size:20px;display:block;margin:0 0 25px}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul{font-size:16px;text-align:left;list-style:none;max-width:265px;line-height:1.4;margin:15px auto 25px}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul li{padding-left:28px;margin-bottom:10px}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul li:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul li:before{font-family:\"mesohope\" !important;font-display:swap;speak:none;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;font-variant:normal;text-transform:none;line-height:1;-webkit-font-smoothing:antialiased;-moz-osx-font-smoothing:grayscale;content:\"\\e904\";border:none;position:absolute;left:0;top:0;background:#0FAEBF;width:20px;height:20px;border-radius:20px;line-height:20px;text-align:center;font-size:12px}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.button.arrow{width:100%}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.widget_oscar-vque.default{max-width:620px}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a{padding:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a>div{display:block;display:flex;align-items:center;flex-wrap:wrap;flex-direction:row-reverse}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a>div>div{padding:0 25px 0 0;width:41%}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a .vque-content{width:59%;padding:30px;text-align:left}.widget_oscar-vque.default img{max-width:90%;margin-bottom:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.subheading{font-size:16px}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.heading{font-size:24px;margin:0 0 16px}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul{max-width:none}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.button.arrow{width:auto}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div{display:block;position:relative;overflow:hidden}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div img{max-width:100%}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div>div{float:left}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div>div:first-child{width:27%;padding:30px}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div>div.vque-content{width:73%;padding-left:0}}<\/style><a href=\"\/mesothelioma-guide\/\" title=\"Get Your Free 2026 Mesothelioma Guide\" class=\"cte\" data-ce-category=\"In-Content Ads\" data-ce-label=\"Get Your Free 2026 Mesothelioma Guide Ad\" data-desktop-image=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical.png\"><div><div><div class=\"image-fade\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"296\" height=\"290\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical.png\" class=\"attachment-Medium size-Medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"Mesothelioma Guide Images\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical.png 296w, https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical-55x55.png 55w, https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical-102x100.png 102w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 296px) 100vw, 296px\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vque-content\"><strong class=\"heading\">Get Your Free 2026 Mesothelioma Guide<\/strong><ul>\n<li>Symptoms &amp; staging<\/li>\n<li>Average prognosis<\/li>\n<li>Life-extending treatments<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong class=\"button arrow\" title=\"Get Your Free Guide\">Get Your Free Guide<\/strong><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>\n<h2>Current Research on Mesothelioma Genetics<\/h2>\n<p>Researchers are uncovering how genetic factors influence the development and treatment of mesothelioma. These discoveries are helping doctors better understand risk, improve early detection, and develop more targeted therapies.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Key areas of current research include:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>New genetic markers for early detection<\/strong>: Studies are identifying more gene mutations beyond BAP1 that may increase mesothelioma risk to help doctors detect the disease sooner.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cancer-preventive compounds<\/strong>: Natural compounds such as <strong>sulforaphane<\/strong> (found in broccoli and other vegetables) are being studied for their potential to reduce cancer risk in people with BAP1 tumor predisposition syndrome.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/treatment\/targeted-therapies\/\"><strong>Targeted therapies<\/strong><\/a>: Ongoing clinical trials are testing treatments designed to target mesothelioma cells with specific genetic mutations, such as BAP1-positive tumors.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Personalized medicine<\/strong>: Researchers are exploring ways to tailor treatments based on each patient\u2019s unique genetic profile, improving effectiveness and reducing side effects.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Genetic and molecular therapy trials<\/strong> \u2013 Multiple studies are investigating how modifying or targeting genetic pathways could slow tumor growth or improve treatment response.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Genetic studies are opening new doors for prevention, earlier detection, and personalized treatments. Some research is also focusing on how genetic differences influence whether a person develops <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/mesothelioma\/pleural\/\">pleural mesothelioma<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/mesothelioma\/peritoneal\/\">peritoneal mesothelioma<\/a> after asbestos exposure.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>\u201cSulforaphane shows promise as a cancer-preventive agent for patients who are at higher genetic risk for asbestos-associated malignant mesothelioma through the BAP1 tumor predisposition syndrome.\u201d<br \/>\n\u2013 Fox Chase Cancer Center<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h2>Get Answers to Your Mesothelioma Genetics Questions<\/h2>\n<p>Mesothelioma Hope can guide you in understanding how genetics and asbestos exposure may influence your family\u2019s risk \u2014 and what steps you can take next.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Our nurses and Patient Advocates are standing by to: <\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Help you decide if genetic testing is right for you<\/li>\n<li>Explain your diagnosis and treatment options<\/li>\n<li>Connect you with top mesothelioma specialists<\/li>\n<li>Share support resources with you and your family<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/get-matched\/\">Use our Free Doctor Match<\/a> or call <strong><a href=\"tel:+18666088933\" title=\"Click to call (866) 608-8933\" class=\"in-content-tel-link\" data-ce-category=\"Click to Call\" data-ce-label=\"(866) 608-8933\">(866) 608-8933<\/a> <\/strong>to get personalized guidance and connect with a mesothelioma specialist today.<\/p>\n<div class=\"faq-wrap\"><h2 class=\"faq-wrap-heading\">Genetic Risk Factors for Mesothelioma FAQs<\/h2><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"1\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">What is the genetic cause of mesothelioma?<\/h3><div><p>Mesothelioma isn\u2019t caused by genes alone. The only known cause is asbestos exposure, but certain inherited genetic changes can make someone more vulnerable to developing the cancer.<\/p>\n<p>One of the most notable genetic changes involves BRCA1-associated protein (BAP1). If you have a BAP1 mutation, it may make it harder for cells in your body to recover from asbestos exposure, triggering mesothelioma more easily.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"2\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">What is the biggest risk factor for mesothelioma?<\/h3><div><p>The number one risk factor for mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a toxic mineral once commonly used in construction and manufacturing. Blue-collar workers and military veterans are among the high-risk groups for mesothelioma.<\/p>\n<p>When you breathe in or swallow asbestos fibers, they can become lodged in the lining of the lungs or abdomen, causing irritation and scarring over many years. This long-term damage can eventually lead to mesothelioma.<\/p>\n<p>Genetic mutations are another mesothelioma risk factor, but <strong>only if you&#8217;ve been exposed to asbestos<\/strong>. You can\u2019t develop mesothelioma from genetic mutations alone.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"3\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">Does mesothelioma run in families?<\/h3><div><p>Mesothelioma can sometimes affect several members of the same family, but it<strong> doesn\u2019t<\/strong> <strong>spread from person to person<\/strong> like an infection.<\/p>\n<p>In some cases, family members share genetic risk factors, such as a BAP1 gene mutation, that can increase their chance of developing mesothelioma. They may also share environmental exposures, especially if they lived or worked in the same place where asbestos was present.<\/p>\n<p>While mesothelioma may appear to \u201crun in families,\u201d it\u2019s usually the result of a combination of shared genes and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/asbestos\/exposure\/secondary\/\">secondary asbestos exposure<\/a>, instead of something contagious or directly inherited.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"4\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">Can mesothelioma be passed on genetically?<\/h3><div><p>No, mesothelioma can\u2019t be passed on directly. However, the genetic changes that increase a person\u2019s sensitivity to asbestos exposure can be passed down through families.<\/p>\n<p>This means that while you can\u2019t inherit the cancer, you can inherit a higher likelihood of developing it if you\u2019re exposed to asbestos.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"5\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">Is there a genetic test for mesothelioma?<\/h3><div><p>If you have a family history of mesothelioma, your doctor may suggest genetic testing. This is typically done using a blood or saliva sample and involves looking for mutations in genes like BAP1.<\/p>\n<p>However, there&#8217;s no genetic test to diagnose mesothelioma at this time.<\/p>\n<p>Also, if you&#8217;re considering filing an asbestos lawsuit,<strong> you may want to consult with a <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/legal\/mesothelioma-lawyer\/\"><strong>mesothelioma attorney<\/strong><\/a> before getting tested. Asbestos companies may try to blame your cancer on genetics \u2014 despite long-standing proof that only asbestos causes mesothelioma \u2014 to escape legal accountability.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"6\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">Why do some people get mesothelioma and some don't?<\/h3><div><p>Whether or not someone develops mesothelioma depends on a mix of environmental and genetic factors. The biggest risk factor is how much asbestos a person was exposed to and for how long.<\/p>\n<p>However, genetics can also make a difference. Some people\u2019s bodies are better at repairing the damage caused by asbestos, while others may be more sensitive because of inherited gene changes that make it harder for their cells to recover.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\": [{\"@type\": \"Question\",\"name\": \"What is the genetic cause of mesothelioma?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\": \"Answer\",\"text\": \"&lt;p&gt;Mesothelioma isn\u2019t caused by genes alone. The only known cause is asbestos exposure, but certain inherited genetic changes can make someone more vulnerable to developing the cancer.&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;One of the most notable genetic changes involves BRCA1-associated protein (BAP1). If you have a BAP1 mutation, it may make it harder for cells in your body to recover from asbestos exposure, triggering mesothelioma more easily.&lt;\/p&gt;\n\"}},{\"@type\": \"Question\",\"name\": \"What is the biggest risk factor for mesothelioma?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\": \"Answer\",\"text\": \"&lt;p&gt;The number one risk factor for mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a toxic mineral once commonly used in construction and manufacturing. Blue-collar workers and military veterans are among the high-risk groups for mesothelioma.&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;When you breathe in or swallow asbestos fibers, they can become lodged in the lining of the lungs or abdomen, causing irritation and scarring over many years. This long-term damage can eventually lead to mesothelioma.&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;Genetic mutations are another mesothelioma risk factor, but &lt;strong&gt;only if you&amp;#8217;ve been exposed to asbestos&lt;\/strong&gt;. You can\u2019t develop mesothelioma from genetic mutations alone.&lt;\/p&gt;\n\"}},{\"@type\": \"Question\",\"name\": \"Does mesothelioma run in families?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\": \"Answer\",\"text\": \"&lt;p&gt;Mesothelioma can sometimes affect several members of the same family, but it&lt;strong&gt; doesn\u2019t&lt;\/strong&gt; &lt;strong&gt;spread from person to person&lt;\/strong&gt; like an infection.&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;In some cases, family members share genetic risk factors, such as a BAP1 gene mutation, that can increase their chance of developing mesothelioma. They may also share environmental exposures, especially if they lived or worked in the same place where asbestos was present.&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;While mesothelioma may appear to \u201crun in families,\u201d it\u2019s usually the result of a combination of shared genes and secondary asbestos exposure, instead of something contagious or directly inherited.&lt;\/p&gt;\n\"}},{\"@type\": \"Question\",\"name\": \"Can mesothelioma be passed on genetically?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\": \"Answer\",\"text\": \"&lt;p&gt;No, mesothelioma can\u2019t be passed on directly. However, the genetic changes that increase a person\u2019s sensitivity to asbestos exposure can be passed down through families.&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;This means that while you can\u2019t inherit the cancer, you can inherit a higher likelihood of developing it if you\u2019re exposed to asbestos.&lt;\/p&gt;\n\"}},{\"@type\": \"Question\",\"name\": \"Is there a genetic test for mesothelioma?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\": \"Answer\",\"text\": \"&lt;p&gt;If you have a family history of mesothelioma, your doctor may suggest genetic testing. This is typically done using a blood or saliva sample and involves looking for mutations in genes like BAP1.&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;However, there&amp;#8217;s no genetic test to diagnose mesothelioma at this time.&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;Also, if you&amp;#8217;re considering filing an asbestos lawsuit,&lt;strong&gt; you may want to consult with a &lt;\/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;mesothelioma attorney&lt;\/strong&gt; before getting tested. Asbestos companies may try to blame your cancer on genetics \u2014 despite long-standing proof that only asbestos causes mesothelioma \u2014 to escape legal accountability.&lt;\/p&gt;\n\"}},{\"@type\": \"Question\",\"name\": \"Why do some people get mesothelioma and some don't?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\": \"Answer\",\"text\": \"&lt;p&gt;Whether or not someone develops mesothelioma depends on a mix of environmental and genetic factors. The biggest risk factor is how much asbestos a person was exposed to and for how long.&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;However, genetics can also make a difference. Some people\u2019s bodies are better at repairing the damage caused by asbestos, while others may be more sensitive because of inherited gene changes that make it harder for their cells to recover.&lt;\/p&gt;\n\"}}]}<\/script><style type=\"text\/css\">.faq-wrap{background:#E4F4F6;padding:20px 15px;margin:40px -15px}.faq-wrap:first-child{margin-top:0}.faq-wrap:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.faq-wrap .faq{background:#fff;padding:15px;border-radius:10px;box-shadow:0px 20px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.03);margin:15px 0 0 0}.faq-wrap .faq:first-child{margin-top:0}.faq-wrap .faq .faq-heading{color:#100134;font-size:21px;margin-bottom:15px}.faq-wrap .faq p{margin-bottom:20px;line-height:1.5}.faq-wrap .faq p:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.faq-wrap .faq .learn-more{color:#248AFF;display:block;padding-right:17px;text-align:right;position:relative;line-height:1}.faq-wrap .faq .learn-more:visited{color:#248AFF}.faq-wrap .faq .learn-more:visited:hover,.faq-wrap .faq .learn-more:hover{color:#34d}.faq-wrap .faq .learn-more:after{font-family:\"mesohope\" !important;speak:none;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;font-variant:normal;text-transform:none;line-height:1;-webkit-font-smoothing:antialiased;-moz-osx-font-smoothing:grayscale;content:\"\\e905\";position:absolute;right:0;top:3px}h2.faq-wrap-heading{margin-bottom:25px}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.faq-wrap{padding:25px 15px}}@media screen and (min-width: 1024px){.faq-wrap{border-radius:10px;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;padding:25px}.faq-wrap .faq{padding:25px}.faq-heading{font-size:24px}}<\/style><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Is Mesothelioma Genetic? No, mesothelioma isn\u2019t considered a genetic disease. It\u2019s a rare type of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. However, some people are born with certain changes in their DNA that make them more likely to get sick after asbestos exposure. This is known as a genetic predisposition to mesothelioma.\u00a0 A predisposition doesn\u2019t&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":49,"featured_media":0,"parent":121,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-816","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/816","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/49"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=816"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/816\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/121"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=816"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}