Family History

The Family history service at the Parapet is run in collaboration with the Oxford Regional Genetics Unit. The aim is to ensure that women with an increased risk of developing an inherited form of breast cancer are referred for assessment, that their risk is determined and that they receive the appropriate management dependent upon their risk.

Referral Guidelines

The purpose of these guidelines is to act as a reference tool for all clinicians, to assist in determining whether a woman’s family history indicates that she is at increased risk of developing an inherited form of breast cancer and will therefore benefit from referral to the family history service for a detailed assessment of her risk.

Breast and/or Ovarian Cancer

• 1 close* female relative diagnosed with breast cancer age less than 40 years
• 1 close* male relative diagnosed with breast cancer at any age
• 1 close* female relative diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer
• 2 close* female relatives diagnosed with breast cancer at an average age of under 60 years
• 2 close* female relatives, one diagnosed with breast cancer and one diagnosed with ovarian cancer
• 2 close* female relatives diagnosed with ovarian cancer
• 3 or more close* relatives diagnosed with breast cancer and /or ovarian cancer at any age

Other Reasons to Refer

• multiple primary cancers in one individual
• 3 or more relatives with tumours at the same site
• 3 or more relatives with any cancer at an earlier age than expected in the general population
• 3 or more relatives with cancers of the breast / colorectal / ovary / prostate / pancreas / melanoma / thyroid or other non-melanoma skin tumours or sarcoma

*A close relative means parent, brother, sister, child, grand-parent, aunt, uncle, nephew or niece.

Breast Cancer can also be inherited through the paternal side of the Family.

Patients referred to the family history service will be sent a questionnaire to complete. This forms the basis of a formal assessment and the patient will be placed into one of three categories – ‘near population, moderate or high’ risk. Appropriate management will be carried out in accordance with this risk category.

Contacts

Family History Specialist Nurse

Telephone 01753 636777