Would you consider asking about genetic screening for cancer if you were adopted?

[oneofsuesylvesterscheerios]

I know absolutely nothing about my birth family history as it just wasn't passed on at the time of my adoption. I was only 6 weeks old and it was a closed adoption, as most of them were then (late 60s).

A few friends of mine have had cancer scares or cancer itself, including my god-daughter's best friend who is currently in a hospice with previously undiagnosed ovarian cancer; there's nothing they can do for her. So sad.

It's made me think that I maybe owe it to my 2 dds to find out if I - and they - have any increased risks of hereditary cancers.

Would my GP be able to accommodate this do you think?

I think it is quite difficult to do a general screen for hereditary - I'm sure someone cleverer than me will come along but the genetics people kind of have to know what they are looking for.
So, if you had Mum, Auntie etc you definitely knew had breast/ovarian cancer they would know from them what to look for (and remember most of these tests only give you an increased risk of Cancer not a definite answer). There may not be a specific gene test for inherited diseases but they can look for an area on a chromosome that affected relatives have and tell you if you are carrying the same area - but they have to know what clues they are looking for from other relatives.
Also these tests are expensive so I think it is unlikely your GP will send you for a broad check up.

Nothing to stop you asking though?

Oops, missed a word - hereditary cancers in the first line..

oh I see... So it's kind of pot luck then really? It's never really bothered me before but I feel a bit all-at-sea really at the moment, like I came from a black hole or something.

I've decided to make an appointment with my GP anyway and if I can't get any other tests I might just see if I can have a general MOT.

Thanks for info anyway, feelancescientist.

I think the thing to remember is 'proper' hereditary cancers are very rare - by far the most common causes of cancer are lifestyle things - smoking, drinking etc and plain bad luck.
It must be frustrating not to know your family medical history and even more important to you now you have a family of your own.
It is definitely worth having a chat with your GP anyway.