Is there any correlation between Hodgkin, non Hodgkin and testicular cancer? Asking this forum as my brother, deceased (non Hodgkin) my daughter in remission Hodgkin stage 4b) and last week now my eldest son with testicular..
I am so sorry to hear about how several members of your family have been affected by cancer.
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.
Whilst the risk of both testicular cancer and lymphoma can be increased if you have a first degree relative with these cancers, the picture is mixed and uncertain about a link between hodgkin/non hodgkin and testicular cancer. I think this would be best discussed with either or both of your children's consultants.
When cancer is in the family, people often start to ask question as to whether there is a link and start to worry if they are at an increased risk of developing it themselves, 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.
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 usually suggest if people are concerned to discuss it with their GP but as I said earlier you may wish to discuss with your son and daughter's consultants to get their views on this and whether your children should be considered for genetic testing.
I hope this helps. Do get back in touch if needed or call us on 0808 800 4040, week days 9-5.
