What your GP needs to know

When you visit your GP to talk about any history of cancer in your family, take as much information with you as possible about your family’s history.

The ages of all your blood relations is important information for your GP, as are details of any cancers diagnosed on either your mother’s or father’s side of the family. The parts of the body affected and the age at which diagnosis was made are other details that will help your GP assess your risk of breast cancer.

You should also tell your doctor about any cases of multiple cancers, such as cancer in both breasts, in your family.

If you have Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry, this is also relevant as gene changes that increase breast cancer risk are more common in Ashkenazi Jews.

Finally, tell your GP the ages at which any of your relatives passed away – whatever the cause.

Remember, your risk assessment will be based on the information you give your doctor. If your family history changes then your risk assessment may change, so you should keep your GP updated if any other cancers occur in your family.

Depending on your family history, your GP may refer you to a family history or genetics clinic. These are NHS services that provide care to individuals and families at risk of a genetic condition.

To learn more about the services available to people with a family history in England, Wales and Scotland, download our free publication The Best Treatment: Your guide to UK services for people with a family history of breast cancer (2397 kb)

Information last reviewed: 17 March 2011