Family History

How important is family history when dealing with cancers?  My mother had breast cancer so I started getting mammograms around age 32 or so.  My father has prostate cancer.  I have an aunt who had either ovarian or cervical cancer.  Don't remember which one.  I have also had other relatives with cancer.  I know I have an increased risk for breast cancer but with cancer within my family does that increase my overall risk for other cancers such as ovarian cancer?

[chelan2]

It's always best to mention any family cancer history to your dr so they know.  
My dr. mentioned there is a relationship between ovarian, breast and bowel cancer.  For ex, if you have one of these cancers your risk of developing one of the others is higher.  I had a scare after my borderline ovca diag. and my dr thought I may have bowel cancer as well.  Thank fully that didn't happen.

[AnotherKatie]

I think it is important to be aware of it and I would certainly tell your doctor.  Interesting, my father has prostate cancer too, and my GP felt there may be a link between that form of cancer and daughters with reproductive system cancers. Yet the gynecologist I saw didn't seem to think that my dad's illness, or my grandmother dyng of ovarian cancer, or my cousin having survived it, was an indication either way regarding me.  I guess they treat everyone individually at the beginning.
There are genetic tests to determine if you are at risk for breast and or ovarian cancer, but they are only available to those who meet certain criteria.

[sueg]

Hi,
I am having genetic counselling at the moment.My dna is being checked out for the BRCA1 & 2 genes because my Mom died from breast cancer and I was diagnosed with Ovarian last year,I'm 46.
Breast,Ovarian and Prostrate,I have been told are the three 'hormonal' cancers and that is the connection.We've been told my two sisters and brother have a 80% chance of getting ovarian,60% chance of breast and 40% chance of Prostrate if they have the BRCA genes.We are just waiting for the results now.So, tell your doc everything you know about your family history,it can only help.Cheers, Sue.

[Curls]

From my conversation over the phone with the genetic cancer clinic, the colon cancer that correlates is not the usual one from polyps.  So, yep, it's good to tell your doctor and find out what they think.  - Cheri

[CindiSue]

My yearly w/ NP in gyn office always has an "issue" they are stressing with patients. This time it was family cancer history. They are finding that colon, breast, gyn cancers, etc are important with the seconds also...aunts, uncles etc. They had always before cared mostly about your parents and sibling. Now they want us to get tested at an age that is 5 years before that relative's age when they were dx. I'm about a decade late!!

[Curls]

Sue, if I may ask, is the genetic testing being paid for by insurance?  My mom opted against it because the $1700 wouldn't be covered and I have the same insurance.
Thanks,
Cheri

[xrayu2]

When it comes to genetic testing, the person with the cancer needs to be tested before a child or sibling.  At the last breast cancer conference that I went to, family history only increases your chance by 10% or less.  But, it is still good to get your mammograms 10 years before your mother was diagnosed.  I am not sure about other cancers ane family history, but I would venture to say it is about the same.  I had my first screening last year and I was 30.  My mother was 44, but my doctor is vigilent on precaution and breast cancer. My mom will find out today if she has colon cancer or not.  If she does, she is going to have genetic testing done.  Her dad died from colon, she has had breast cancer(completely free now), but has had some colon issues recently.

[Raynbow]

Interesting, I told my gyn that I just recently made contact with my biological paternal grandmother....(she told me that my biological father has pancreatic cancer right now, and that her mother (my great-grandmother) had breast cancer she believes. But this woman (my grandmother) doesn't go to doctors, she says if something was bad wrong with her, she would be in pain or not feel good....She says she's gonna' go of somethin' anyway, why see a doctor, they just give ya' medicine and make ya' sicker...But that's how alot of ol timers are up here in the Appalachians of TN)....Anyway, I told the gyn about the pancreatic and poss breast cancer, he says that paternal side doesn't matter so much....Well, my mom is adopted too and I don't know anything about her biological father's side (he didn't know he had a kid by her mom)...Her bio mother is kinda' hesitant to talk about menopause and such, so gettin' this kind of stuff out of her is difficult. Anyway, my point was that my doc says the maternal side matters moreso.
Take care,
((((Raynbow

[Gatsby]

Everyone is right, giving your dr your family history can only help.  This way, you can get the tests you need to keep an eye on things going on in your body.  You are a wise woman.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.  Godspeed
~Tascha

[sueg]

Hi Cheri,
I'm in England so its all free on the NHS.Thank god!
Sue.