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Two primary cancers - should I push for genetic testing

Rachel03
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Hi,

I got diagnosed with two primary cancer this year (within a month of each other) - breast and melanoma. I have had surgery for both, and treatment for the breast cancer - awaiting results for skin cancer spread to determine if this needs further treatment.

I hadn't heard of anyone have two separate cancers at the same time and so was understandably shocked. My child had a very rare cancer several years ago - so this has been a rough year.

I have enquired about genetic testing but have met with refusal or suggestions to do this privately - but I feel I don't know enough about who or what to ask.

Each of my pathways just say my cancers are not linked but I am concerned. 

I had to have radiotherapy and am aware this increases my risk of developing more melanoma's - feel a bit lost in all of this.

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    Hi Rachel,

    That seems so unlucky and unfair.

    Having two primaries is unusual, but not unheard of. My Mam had bowel cancer followed by breast cancer. She was told that there was a small possibility that the high number of CT scans, or the therapy that she’d had with the first might have triggered the second. 

    I’ll be interested to read the advice you receive about genetic testing from the nurses.

    Best wishes
    Dave

  • Hi Rachel03

    Thank you for posting. I can appreciate how difficult and unsettling things must be for you, especially after being diagnosed with two separate primary cancers within such a short time, and given your child’s previous experience with a rare cancer.

    It’s understandable to be concerned about a possible genetic link. While it is uncommon, people can develop two unrelated primary cancers without an underlying genetic cause.

    For NHS genetic testing, your doctor must have a strong reason to believe there is a hereditary condition that could be passed on. Eligibility depends on factors such as family history, age at diagnosis, and the types of cancers involved. Testing isn’t usually offered unless these criteria are met.

    If you haven’t already, you could ask your oncology team or GP about a referral to a clinical genetics service. A genetics counsellor can review your history in detail and advise whether testing is appropriate.

    It might be helpful to read our information on family history and cancer genes. You can also read more about genetic services and genetic testing on the Genetic Alliance UK website.

    If you’d like to talk things through, our nurses are available on the freephone helpline 0808 800 4040, Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm.

    Please feel free to get back to us if you have more questions.

    Jemma

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