The more research we do into cancer, the more complex the picture becomes. These days we know that it is not quite that simple. There are many genes that can be inherited that increase your risk of getting a particular type of cancer or cancers.
Genes are the coded instructions for every function of our cells.
These cell functions control how our body functions. Sometimes one gene will control one cell function, which controls one aspect of how our body works such as the colour of our eyes. We can see the way eye colour is inherited from parent to child as the genes are passed down the generations. Other things, such as hair colour, are a bit more complex with several genes being involved, but it is still possible to see ginger hair passed from parent to child. However, for most aspects of how our body functions, there will be several genes that affect it and also the way we live will also have a big effect.