Familial cancer

The familial cancer service offers risk assessment, support and, where appropriate, screening to those who would like more information about, or think they may have, an increased risk of developing the commonest inherited cancers.

These can include breast, ovarian and colorectal cancers.

The familial cancer service is staffed by familial cancer specialists who are part of a larger multi-disciplinary team, including breast surgeons, radiologists, colorectal surgeons, gastroenterologists, gynaecologists, psychologists, plastic surgeons, genetics and specialist nurses.

All patients are offered an in-depth interview where a detailed family history is obtained. Once verified, an individual risk assessment can be made. Depending on level of risk and age, the patients may be offered appropriate surveillance in accordance with Trust and national guidelines. This may involve early mammography, breast MRI, colonoscopy, gastroscopy or other diagnostic tests.

Those individuals assessed as very high risk are referred to colleagues at Regional Genetics. This may lead to definitive genetic testing. We can then offer appropriate strategies to those identified to be at increased genetic risk, such as surveillance and risk reducing surgery. 

Referrals are accepted via GPs (via Choose & Book only) and hospital clinicians.