Pope Leo XIV diagnosed with lung cancer, undergoes successful surgery in Rome

The 71 year old pontiff underwent successful surgery at Rome's Gemelli Hospital after doctors discovered a nodule in his right lung. The Vatican said the operation had no complications, while further tests are being conducted to determine whether the cancer has spread.Pope recovers after lung cancer surgery (Image credit: Reuters)New Delhi,Oct 14, 2026 17:16 ISTThe diagnosis of two different cancers in Pope Leo XIV and his older brother, Louis Prevost, has raised questions about whether cancer can run in families. Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma after doctors discovered a nodule in his right lung. He underwent successful 90-minute surgery at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on October 13, with no complications reported.Further tests are underway to determine whether the cancer has spread, and he is expected to remain in hospital for about a week. Meanwhile, his brother is undergoing treatment for multiple myeloma, a cancer that affects plasma cells in the bone marrow.Prime Minister Narendra Modi has wished the Pope a speedy recovery. However, having two siblings diagnosed with different cancers does not necessarily mean the diseases are hereditary, as most cancers are not caused by inherited genetic changes.Happy to learn that His Holiness Pope Leo XIV’s surgery last night was successful. Wishing him a full and speedy recovery as well as continued good health. @Pontifex— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 14, 2026IS CANCER HEREDITARY?According to the US National Cancer Institute (NCI), approximately 5% to 10% of all cancers are caused by harmful genetic changes inherited from a parent. The remaining cases are largely associated with genetic changes that develop during a person's lifetime. Cancer is a genetic disease because it occurs when changes in DNA affect how cells grow, divide and function. However, these changes can develop for several reasons, including ageing, environmental exposures and errors that occur when cells divide.Inherited genetic changes, also known as germline variants, are present from birth and can be passed from parents to children. They may increase the likelihood of developing certain cancers, but inheriting such a variant does not mean a person will definitely develop the disease. The American Cancer Society also notes that most cancers result from acquired genetic changes rather than inherited mutations. Sources: NCI and American Cancer Society.HOW DO INHERIT GENE CHANGES INCREASE CANCER RISK?Certain inherited gene variants interfere with the body's ability to control cell growth or repair damaged DNA. This can make it easier for cancer to develop when additional genetic changes occur.For example, harmful variants in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are associated with an increased risk of breast, ovarian, prostate and pancreatic cancers. These genes normally help prevent uncontrolled cell growth by supporting DNA repair and other protective processes.Another example is familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), a hereditary condition associated with changes in the APC gene. People with this condition can develop numerous polyps in the colon and have a substantially increased risk of colorectal cancer, often at a younger age.According to the NCI, each child of a parent carrying a relevant inherited variant may have a 50% chance of inheriting it when the condition follows an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. However, the precise inheritance pattern depends on the gene and condition involved.DOES HAVING TWO CANCER CASES IN A FAMILY INDICATE HEREDITARY CANCER?Not necessarily. Cancer is common, particularly with increasing age, and two family members may develop different cancers without sharing an inherited cancer-causing variant.A family history becomes more concerning when several close relatives develop the same or related cancers, particularly at unusually young ages. Certain combinations of cancers can also suggest an inherited cancer syndrome.Other factors, including shared environmental exposures, smoking habits and lifestyle, may contribute to cancer patterns within families. Therefore, the types of cancer diagnosed, the ages at diagnosis, and the number of affected relatives are important considerations.WHEN SHOULD YOU CONSIDER GENETIC TESTING?Genetic testing can identify certain inherited variants associated with an increased risk of cancer. However, it is not necessary for everyone with a family history of the disease.People may benefit from discussing genetic counselling and testing if multiple close relatives have had cancer, a relative was diagnosed unusually young, or a known inherited cancer-related variant has been identified in the family.The NCI recommends assessing personal and family medical history before deciding whether testing is appropriate. Results can help guide screening, preventive measures and decisions about monitoring.- Ends