Most cancers occur by chance, but some have a predominantly hereditary origin.
Clues that a cancer may be hereditary include:
- More than one family member affected
- Cancers from a group caused by mutations in the same gene (e.g. breast and ovarian cancer, or colorectal and endometrial cancer)
- A number of generations affected
- More likely to be diagnosed at younger ages (<40)
Who to refer.
Patients who are likely to be at increased risk of cancer may have:
- A family history of a known single gene cancer syndrome (e.g. Von Hippel-Lindau Syndrome, Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia, Retinoblastoma)
- Or "related cancers"; there are some rare cancer syndromes (e.g. Li Fraumeni Syndrome or Cowden Syndrome) where a variety of cancers occur within a family
- Or a family history of 2 or more cases of the same cancer in first or second degree relatives (e.g. gastric, prostate, renal, pancreatic cancers or melanoma)
Note in any family where there is a suspicion of hereditary aetiology, we are happy to discuss these cases further.
Why refer?
The purpose of a referral is to assess the risk to the patient on the basis of their family history supplemented by molecular genetic investigations in the small proportion of families at highest risk.
Where to refer to?
Currently there are virtual clinics. There are also in person clinics in Perth, Dundee and Arbroath, and these are usually run by Genetic Counsellors. The Genetics department is based at Ninewells Hospital.
Contact:
Clinical Genetics, Level 6, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee.
Email: Tay.clinicalgenetics@nhs.scot
Tel: 01382 632035