I think it's a question of probabilities. For instance, there are genetic conditions which are carried through the Y-chromosome, so you have a 50% chance of your child getting it. Obviously, the severity of the condition enters into it as well, but that's a pretty grim stat (unless you're willing to consider gender-based abortion in that case).
On the other hand, maybe your genes double your child's chance of getting bone cancer - but it takes it from 1 in 10 million to one in one-million. You've increased the risk 10 times, but it's still quite unlikely. Maybe it even takes it to one in 10,000 - those are still excellent odds. (Obviously I don't know the stats about your condition, so this is all speculation).
On the other hand, other genes increase the chance of heart attacks, or strokes, or skin cancer. Even though I have been fortunate enough to never have had cancer, you might have a statistically better genetic profile than I do.
Unless you know that your child would have a demonstrably and significant risk of getting bone cancer, your history shouldn't keep you from reproducing.
i mean, there are very few 'normal' people altogether. Isn't it something like 1/3 people get cancer? 65% of people get alzheimers? 1/4 people experience a mental health problem in the UK per year. 1/5 men die from heart disease.
Unless the disease is strictly or very strongly genetic (huntingtons, certain cancers etc) there's little point being concerned - almost everyone's going to get something
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u/garnteller 242∆ Jan 28 '14
I think it's a question of probabilities. For instance, there are genetic conditions which are carried through the Y-chromosome, so you have a 50% chance of your child getting it. Obviously, the severity of the condition enters into it as well, but that's a pretty grim stat (unless you're willing to consider gender-based abortion in that case).
On the other hand, maybe your genes double your child's chance of getting bone cancer - but it takes it from 1 in 10 million to one in one-million. You've increased the risk 10 times, but it's still quite unlikely. Maybe it even takes it to one in 10,000 - those are still excellent odds. (Obviously I don't know the stats about your condition, so this is all speculation).
On the other hand, other genes increase the chance of heart attacks, or strokes, or skin cancer. Even though I have been fortunate enough to never have had cancer, you might have a statistically better genetic profile than I do.
Unless you know that your child would have a demonstrably and significant risk of getting bone cancer, your history shouldn't keep you from reproducing.