Familial cancer

The Familial Cancer Service offers risk assessment and, where appropriate, screening to those who may have an increased risk of developing inherited cancers such as breast, ovarian, endometrial, colorectal, prostate, or pancreatic cancer.

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.

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/enhanced breast screening, bowel screening, 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 enhanced surveillance and risk-reducing surgery.

Referrals are accepted via GP's (via e-RS only) and hospital clinicians.