To not know whether I’m supposed to declare genetic counselling

[Pootleflump76]

One of my parents and several of their siblings have died of cancer. Due to the number of family members having died of similar cancers it had been suggested that the cancer could have been caused by an inherited genetic condition that makes it more likely to contract some specific cancers.

My parent didn’t actually die from one of these cancers (but they may have got it had they lived longer and not died from the other cancer). I spoke to a genetic counsellor about the condition at my local hospital. They can’t say for definite if I do or don’t have the syndrome. To diagnose the doctors would need to do testing on the relatives that already had cancer and biopsies were not taken for this purpose before they died. However, I have been offered the opportunity to take up screening to detect the cancer at a younger age than is offered to the general public.

So AIBU to not understand if genetic counselling (with no diagnostic tests or a definite confirmation of having a genetic condition) is something I should declare to my Life insurance company.

I'm pretty sure not. You're supposed to declare diagnosed health conditions, but this isn't a diagnosis.

I don't think so. You would need to check though. I mean could you try asking the life insurance company to make sure?

PS Sorry to hear about the possible genetic link. I have a family history of dementia and had some testing for the APOE4 gene. I have one copy (better than two) but some increased risk. Oddly, that can be linked with a small decreased risk for cancer though.

Oh, also I guess it may depend on whether it was on your medical records and if that is something the life insurance looks at.

By the way, not to sideline, but there is some solid evidence that taking Omega 3's and Krill Oil can help stave off the increased risk of Alzheimer's from the apoe4 gene.
With regard to the life insurance. You must ask for the Explanation of Coverage (or whatever they are calling it) where it declares the exact terms of the coverage. This can vary from one company to the next and is always something you should review before purchasing an insurance plan of any type.

If it is screening for preventive purposes, then no you don't have to declare. This is via an agreement between the body of insurances and the NHS do not to deter people from going for screenings that could ultimately save their lives (and therefore benefit everyone).

A friend mentioned she was asked about parents when she applied rather than screening. Thanks for the tip Sofia yes also trying lots of exercise and intermittent fasting.

All you have to do is answer their questions accurately. You are under no compunction to declare anything. They might well follow up with your GP and ask for a medical report which might mention the appt at the hospital (if it's in your notes). But you don't need to mention it (not anything) unless specifically asked.

It's incumbent on them to find out about you and assess your risk accordingly. It's not your responsibility to do this for them. You can not lie but you don't need to offer information unless asked for it.

I have long and bitter experience.

Thank you so much for all your answers.