You are likely to have been referred because you have a personal or strong family history of certain cancers, particularly if the same or potentially linked cancers have occurred at young ages in several generations of your family. You may have requested a genetics appointment yourself via your GP or may have been referred by another specialist, such as a Gastroenterologist or Oncologist, in order for your history to be assessed to try and establish whether you or other family members are likely to have an increased risk of having (another primary) cancer in the future. The genetics team will try to clarify whether you should have extra screening that is not offered to the general population and whether there are any other tests, such as a tumour test or genetic test, that would be appropriate.

Most individuals referred for a routine appointment in the genetics cancer clinic will be seen within 3 months. The waiting time may be longer if you have specifically requested an appointment in one of our outreach clinics at a local hospital. Patients referred urgently are generally seen within 2 weeks.

In the first instance you are likely to be seen by a Genetic Counsellor who will make an initial assessment of your family history. It may be necessary for further information to be gathered and/or tests to be completed before the risk assessment is complete. You will then be contacted by telephone and follow up letter, or will be invited back for a further appointment with a Genetic Counsellor or Geneticist.

No, if you have concerns about recent or ongoing symptoms you should discuss them with your GP or other health care provider. Your genetics appointment may not be for some time and you are likely to be seen by a Genetic Counsellor rather than a medical Doctor. It is, however, important to mention any recent health problems or investigations at your genetic appointment in case they are relevant.

It is very helpful if you are able to gather as much information as possible about the cases of cancer in your family, either by speaking to the affected relatives themselves or by accessing records, such as medical letters and death certificates. It is particularly helpful if you are able to complete a family history questionnaire in advance of your appointment, including details such as the name and date of birth of any affected relatives, date of death (where relevant), where the cancer started, year or age at diagnosis, address at time of diagnosis and hospital attended, if possible. If any relatives have been seen in a genetics clinic in the past, it is very helpful if you are able to tell us approximately when and where this was, and the name, date of birth and file number of the relative. You may find it helpful to write down any questions or concerns you have and bring them to your appointment.

We appreciate that it can be difficult to provide detailed information about all your relatives’ cancer diagnoses. There may be branches of your family where you have no or limited contact. If there are gaps in the information you are able to provide you should discuss this with the Genetic Counsellor at your appointment. Your Genetic Counsellor will be able to explain whether this has affected their ability to make an accurate assessment of your family history. They may be able to suggest ways to help gather more information or may make an assessment based on the information available.

Evidence suggests that people from minority ethnic groups with, or at risk of, cancer are less likely to access screening and other services to assess risks.

In South Asian women in the UK, the incidence of breast cancer is increasing and approaching that of White British women. We offer assessment of risk of cancer and genetic counselling for patients and families who have, or are at risk of, cancers that may be familial. This includes providing information needed to make decisions regarding testing, and to access screening to enable early diagnosis and treatment. We also provide referrals to other services such as psychological assessment/support.

If you have a significant history of cancer in your family (particularly if anyone has been diagnosed under the age of 50 years) please contact us for further information or seek a referral via your GP.

Genetic Counselling is available in several South Asian Languages. If you have any questions or concerns you can contact Naz Khan (Genetic Counsellor) on 0161 276 6285.

We have local clinics in Blackburn and Oldham so it may not involve a visit to Manchester.

Not all patients or families who attend the genetics clinic will be offered a genetic test. This may be because the chance of identifying a gene alteration is low or because we do not currently know of a gene which would account for the pattern of cancers in your family. The likelihood of cancers in a family being due to an inherited gene will depend on factors including the number, age and type of cancers in the family, and whether an alteration in a high risk cancer gene has already been identified in another family member. In order to make as accurate an assessment as possible you will be asked to provide detailed information about your family history and it may be necessary to ask for your relatives consent to access further details regarding their cancer diagnosis.

Depending on the initial assessment of you family history you may be referred for some form of screening (e.g. a mammogram or camera examination of your bowel) whilst further information is awaited. Once the assessment of your family history is complete you will be advised whether any ongoing screening would be recommended for yourself or other close family members. Advice regarding the type, frequency and age of screening will depend on current guidelines and the accuracy of the information provided.