Genetic cancer risk assessment

Approximately 5-10% of all cancer is due to a genetic fault (mutation) which can be inherited through a family. Families with an inherited mutation may benefit from a genetic cancer risk assessment, increased cancer screening and/or risk reducing strategies.

Families with an increased genetic cancer risk often show one of the following clues:

• Several relatives with the same type of cancer
• Relatives diagnosed at particularly young ages (usually before age 50)
• Several affected generations
• Individuals who have been diagnosed with multiple cancers

Genetic cancer risk factors

In general, cancer can be caused by many different factors including family history, personal history and environmental factors. The exact risk factors depend on the type of cancer. For example, lung cancer is usually caused by environmental factors such as exposure to smoke, while cervical cancer often occurs at younger ages and is usually not inherited. Breast, bowel (colorectal) and prostate cancers all have relatively well understood risk factors and more information can be found at our sister websites.

What should I do if I’m concerned?

If you are concerned about your family history of cancer please contact us.

Initially you will be sent a family history questionnaire which will be analysed by a genetic counsellor. You will then have a one hour consultation during which your personal risk of cancer, genetic testing if appropriate and cancer screening will be discussed. If genetic testing is appropriate then the benefits and limitations of this will be explained. You will also have the opportunity to ask any questions which may be concerning you.

Why would I want to know that I’m at risk of cancer?

For individuals with an increased risk of cancer, screening can often be beneficial in detecting cancer at an earlier stage. Depending on the specific risk, different cancer screening tests can be arranged and risk-reducing strategies considered.