Hello and thanks for your post,

I am sorry to hear about your auntie.

When cancer is in the family, people often assume that this greatly increases their risk of developing it, but this isn't always true.  Although the genes we inherit may influence our risk, this might 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 website which has a section explaining genes and inherited cancer risk at this link

Cancer is caused by build up of changes in our genes and/or the way our genes behave. Changes occur because of mistakes or faults which in most cases of cancer have developed 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 in the NHS 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.

We have more information about risks and causes and about screening on our website. For ovarian cancer follow the links here

In summary, the risk of ovarian cancer, can be increased with a family history, but this might not be by enough to have genetic testing or additional screening on the NHS . This is something that your GP can advise you about so do discuss it with them when you have the chance.

I hope this has helped answer you question but if you want to go through any of this then do give us a ring. We are here Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and our number is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and we are here Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

All the Best,

Catherine