Hello and thank you for your post. I am sorry to hear that your dad is having surgery for cancer in his throat and that your auntie had cancer. 

Having close family members affected by cancer can sometimes make people worry about their own risk. However most cases of cancer are not caused by a family member having it. For most people with cancer it is not known why they have it.  Although there are risk factors associated with some types.  For example smoking can increase the risk of developing some cancers. 

There is no recommendation for anyone to have full body screening to see if they have cancer. Screening for cancer takes part in two ways: as part of a national screening programme or when there is a high risk of developing certain types of cancer because there is a strong family history of having it. 

If you are concerned that you may have a higher risk of developing some types of cancer you first of all need to discuss this with your GP. Your GP can look at your family history to see if a referral to a cancer specialist or family cancer clinic to look into a possible increased risk is appropriate. If it is then your family history of cancer will be looked at to see if you can have an increased risk to justify screening for that type of cancer. 

You may also find that your dad's cancer specialist doctor, if asked, could say if you are at an risk of developing the type of cancer your dad has. 

I hope this helps. Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  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.

Take care,

Caroline