AFTER CANCER: FAMILY AND CANCER

Are My Relatives at Risk for Developing My Type of Cancer?

Only some cancers run in families. Many cancers do not occur with increased frequency in relatives of people with that type of cancer. Ask your doctor whether your relatives are at any increased risk for certain cancers because of your history of cancer.

Should My Family Members Tell Their Doctors about My Cancer?

It is a good idea for your relatives to notify their doctors of your history, because

•as medical knowledge about family risk changes, your relatives’ doctors will already be aware of your history

•your relatives’ doctors will be more sensitive to your relatives’ concerns about symptoms or tests

•your relatives’ doctors can encourage them to follow the cancer prevention recommendations

•your relatives’ doctors can modify the recommendations regarding prevention and screening where indicated

If My Cancer Tends to Run in Families, Is There Some Way to Prevent My Relatives from Feeling like Sitting Ducks?

Yes. Although their risk may be increased, even significantly, there is much they can do

•to prevent certain types of cancer •to detect cancer early

•to have hope in the availability of safe and effective treatment, if they need it

•to live with the uncertainty

Cervical and colon cancer are examples of cancers that are preventable if people at risk have routine screening. Breast cancer, colon cancer, and melanoma are examples of cancers that are very curable if detected and treated early.

Knowledge of family risk can ruin one’s quality of life if it causes a sense of hopelessness; knowledge of family risk empowers if it is used to maximize prevention and early detection.

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