Tests show that I'm 75% to get cancer,

[littlewater]

So I've not long found out that I'm 75% likely to get cancer. I'm 26 and have found out that I'm 75% likely to get ovianian cancer and 50% for bowel.

I'm not really sure what I should do now, is there anywhere I could go to find about inherited cancer?? Should I stop ttc??

I'm just scarred, can someone tell me what I need to do???

Lw

The 1:3 risk of cancer in the UK stems from high risk people being included in the stats.

If you are overweight, smoke, drink and don't do any exercise, then yes, your risk of cancer is high. Add in a direct family history of cancer, and other risk factors such as early onset of menstruation and your risk jumps higher.

If you have a healthy diet, do impact exercise, don't smoke and have a minimal alcohol intact the your risk of cancer drops dramatically.

let's get this in perspective; almost everyone reading this will die of one of two things: cancer or heart/circulation problems.

Your lifetime risk of cancer is 1;3, and the longer you live the higher it is.

OP you are jumping the gun.

My paternal grandmother died from cancer, my maternal grandmother and uncle died from heart disease. My parents have circulation problems in their 80s.

That's life. Slow down and stop worrying.

Dear breast,
Thanks for your long post it's given me a lot of positives, I'm trying TTC so my lifestyle is good. I also chickened out of phoning the GP, I'll do it on Monday when I'm a bit calmer.

Highlander,
ALL the females in my family have died of Aggressive cancer, of the same type.
What is impact exercise??

Amilea,
Yes, I am probably jumping the gun. It's just that the thought of cancer scares me a lot as I have seen my family suffer so much.

Lw

Sorry you had bad news.

However:
You are jumping the gun - big time.

Go to see your GP.
They are likely to refer you to a Clinical Geneticist who will take a very detailed Family History.
Get facts from your family: who got what cancer at what age - some cancers are genetically linked; others are not.
During the Genetic Counselling you will be told what risks can be tested for and which cannot. Genetic Counsellors are very good IME in explaining the concept of risk/statistics in such a way that you can apply it to your own situation.
Then decide whether you want to be tested.
Only with the result of those tests (if you decide to be tested), decide where to go from there.

Really, really, take it easy. You may, or may not be at increased risk.
At this moment you know very little.
I am sorry about your poor cousin, but if your mother has not been tested then there is just no way of knowing what kind of risk you have.

Take it step by step and make no hasty decisions.

Positive thought of the day: a 1:3 risk of something happening, also means a 2:3 risk of it NOT happening.

There are other factors apart from genetics that can affect your likelihood of getting cancer, such as smoking, diet, alcohol intake, sun exposure etc.

Whilst you are waiting to see a health professional do all you can to make your lifestyle as healthy as possible.