Hello Floof and thanks for posting

I am sorry to hear about both your brothers and other family members being affected by cancer.

I can appreciate your concerns and it does sound like a conversation with your GP would be a good idea to see if they think you could be referred to a genetic counsellor. However I do also wonder if your older brother's team are carrying out some genetic testing for him at the moment. Maybe this is something to ask him when you can.

You can read about the risks and causes of bowel cancer on our website. We have information about Screening for people with higher risk of bowel cancer on our 'about cancer' pages. You can see that people who have a significant family history or those found to have an inherited gene fault, bowel conditions such as lynch or FAP are offered early or additional colonoscopies depending on their risk.

It may be for you that 5 yearly follow up is thought adequate but do ask about this and share your concerns about your own health considering your families history.

I hope this is helpful. 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.

Best wishes,

Naomi