So worried about family history with cancer. Could this be caused by a gene mutation?

Hello

I am a 37 year old female. 

I'm really concerned because quite a few members of my family have had cancer. 

My mum sadly passed away a few years ago when she was 62. She had breast cancer. She was originally diagnosed when she was 54 and was given the all clear but sadly she was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer in her stomach area and then she passed five months later. 

My grandad had prostate cancer and passed at 79 and his dad and brother also had prostate cancer. 

My grandads sister was diagnosed with breast cancer at 63 and shes in her 80s now and fine. Her daughter was also diagnosed with breast cancer at 45. Her daughter lives in America and she had genetic testing and nothing came up. 

Now my uncle (mums brother) was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last year. He was 58 when diagnosed. 

I have spoken to the genetic clinic and they said my risk works out on the lower end of moderate risk so I can have mammogram from the age of 40. However they won't do a genetic test unless a relative who has had cancer gets it done. They think its unlikely to be a particular gene but I dont understand how they can say that. 

I know no one can give me the answer and I try and hold on to the hope it isnt a gene because my mums cousin had the genetic test. But can this much cancer in one family on the same side really not be a particular gene mutation?

Thank you for reading 

  • Hello and thank you for posting,

    I’m really sorry to hear how many people in your family have been affected by cancer. Understandably, this has made you question your own risk, especially when it feels difficult to make sense of there being no gene involved.

    Even in families with several cases of cancer, including breast cancer in close relatives like your mother and great-aunt, it is still quite common for genetic testing not to find a known inherited gene fault. Genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 only account for a small proportion of cancers. In some families, cancers may occur by chance, through shared lifestyle factors, or due to genetic causes that we cannot yet identify or test for. You may find it helpful to read our information on family history and inherited genes.

    The genetics team are the expert in assessing this and will have carefully reviewed your family history. It’s reassuring that your mum's cousin did not have a known gene, and positive that you are being offered earlier mammograms, as this shows your risk is being monitored appropriately.

    If you’re still feeling unsure, it would be worth speaking with the genetics team again so they can go through this with you and answer any questions.

    I hope this helps. Please feel free to come back to us, or speak to one of our nurses on the helpline on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

    Jemma