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 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.

It is really only the results from the colonoscopy that will be able to help rule out cancer.. The majority of people who have colonoscopies do not end up having cancer. There can be other causes such as polyps which are normally benign (not cancer) or other bowel conditions such as ulcerative colitis. The colonoscopy enables the doctor to look at the bowel visually and if they see an area that needs further investigation then they may take a biopsy. 

Taking a biopsy does not mean a cancer diagnosis but any tissue that is removed is looked at by a pathologist to help rule out cancer.

We have some information on our website about how to help reduce your cancer risk. Have a look here

I do hope this helps.

If you would like to ring and discuss any of this with one of the helpline nurses then you are welcome to do so.

Our number is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and we are here Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm.

All the best,

Catherine

Thanks so much for getting back to me