Can Cancer Be Transmitted Through Blood? Vertical Transmission

Can cancer be transmitted through blood?

Thank you for your previous response.
So, it can be said that maternal transmission to children is referred to as vertical transmission, while there are no such concerns with paternal transmission, correct? My father has liver cancer, which originated from cirrhosis, and he has been experiencing bleeding from his gums.
Is there a possibility of bloodborne transmission in this case?

nini, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2001/05/18

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

It is possible, but it should be referred to as a postnatal level infection.
Blood is infectious, so please handle it with caution.

Reply Date: 2001/05/18

More Info

Cancer is a complex disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. One common misconception is that cancer can be transmitted from one person to another through blood or other bodily fluids. However, it is essential to clarify that cancer itself is not contagious.
When discussing the concept of vertical transmission, it typically refers to the transfer of genetic material or diseases from a mother to her offspring during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. In the context of cancer, while certain genetic predispositions to cancer can be inherited (for example, mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes that increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancers), the actual cancer cells themselves cannot be transmitted from a parent to a child. Therefore, your understanding is correct: vertical transmission in the context of cancer primarily concerns genetic factors rather than the disease itself.

Regarding your father's situation with liver cancer, it is crucial to understand that while liver cancer can arise from chronic liver conditions such as cirrhosis, it is not transmitted through blood in the way infectious diseases are. However, certain viral infections, such as Hepatitis B and C, can lead to liver cancer and are indeed transmissible through blood. If your father has a viral hepatitis infection, there is a risk of transmission through blood, but this is related to the virus, not the cancer itself.
In terms of your father's bleeding from the gums, this could be a sign of several conditions, including periodontal disease or a bleeding disorder, and it is essential to address this with a healthcare provider. The presence of blood does not imply that cancer can be transmitted through that blood; rather, it indicates a need for medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause of the bleeding.

To summarize, cancer cannot be transmitted through blood or other bodily fluids. Vertical transmission refers to genetic predispositions rather than the disease itself. While your father's liver cancer is a serious condition, the risk of transmitting cancer through blood is not applicable. If there are concerns about potential viral infections or other health issues, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for appropriate testing and management.
In conclusion, while cancer can have genetic components that may be passed from parent to child, the disease itself is not contagious. It is always best to consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice and to address any specific health concerns.

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