Hello and thanks for your post,

When cancer is in the family, people often assume that this greatly increases their risk of developing it, but this isn't necessarily so. Although the genes we inherit may influence our risk, this may not be by very much. No one is risk free and the risk of cancer increases for all of us as we get older. This is quite a complicated topic and it might be useful to look at our section explaining genes and inherited cancer risk at this link

Cancer is described as a genetic disease because it is caused by mistakes or faults in the genes of in a single cell. But in most cases of cancer, these gene faults develop over someone's lifetime and are not inherited. Faulty cancer genes can be passed from one generation to the next, but they are uncommon.

Genetic testing is only usually offered to people with a strong family history, as this predicts who is most likely to have inherited a cancer gene fault.

If you have concerns about your family history the best thing to do would be to make a list of the members of the family that have been affected by cancer and the age that they were diagnosed and then discuss this with your GP. If your GP feels that this that you do have a strong family history they may consider referring you to a genetic clinic.

It is also important that we do what we can to prevent cancer and indeed 4 out of 10 cancers can be prevented by leading a healthy life style. Have a look at the information on our website here

We do have screening service in our country but it would be very difficult at this present time to test for all cancers.  Have a look at our information on what screening programmes we have here

If you or your son would like to ring and discuss any of this then you are more then welcome to do so.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Best Wishes,

Catherine