Genetic risk factors

Many people worry about getting cancer. Sometimes people think they have a higher risk of developing cancer because there has been cancer in their family.

But only a small number of cancers (between 5 and 10% or less than 1 in 10 cases) seem to be caused by a gene that is inherited from either parent.

If you have one or two relatives with cancer, this does not mean that a 'cancer gene' is running in your family. It is only likely that a 'cancer gene' is present in a family if:

• There are two or more close blood relatives on the same side of the family with the same type of cancer.
• Cancers are occurring at young ages (i.e. before the age of 60).
• If a close relative has had two different types of cancer (not one cancer that has spread).
• There are particular types of cancers that are known to run together, for example breast and ovarian or bowel and womb cancer.

People with a strong family history of some cancers (bowel and breast) are invited to have more regular screening than people who don't seem at increased risk. Genetic testing is only available for breast, ovarian and bowel cancer. It is normally only possible, if you have a relative with one of these cancers who is willing to be tested first.

For more information on genetics and cancer, go to www.cancerbackup.org.uk.

 

Inherited genetic risks of breast and ovarian cancer

Macmillan has created an online tool called OPERA to help you assess your inherited genetic risk of breast and ovarian cancer, which is available on our Cancerbackup website. The software program offers you personalised information and support in the comfort of your own home. 

Note: If you are seriously worried about developing breast or ovarian cancer page, you might want to talk to your GP. They will confirm your family history and might refer you to see a specialist.  

Click here to read the press release about the launch of our online genetic risk assessment tool, OPERA (see above).