Cancer

Çould anyone tell me
If a doctor asks if there is cancer in the family ,how far back does he mean

 

Crumbs. Speaking personally, every single one of my blood relatives going back to my grandparents and including myself have, has had, or had cancer. But every single cancer was a different one, so I really don’t see much significance in that. If your doctor is talking about a specific cancer, then I would think about that specific cancer and try to think back as far as you can and include anyone you know of who has, or has had, or had that cancer.

 

Probably your grandparents as most people have no real memories of their great grandparents let alone what diseases they had.
Although my response would be probably and wait for them to come up with a more precise question.

 

Thank you both Tidemark and Nigelj .I was worried because I had 3 cousin s who have died of cancer and another who is still with us but has had cancer of the asophagas plus another cancer .. So I just didn't know.

 

It is a very vague question isn't it? My father died of prostate cancer, but that's not exactly relevant to my health. My mother had a skin cancer removed from her lip - too much time outdoors gardening probably ... that's one I need to consider.

 

If a doctor asked me that, I would assume they meant parents, grandparents, siblings, and possibly genetic aunts and uncles (ie my father's brother, but not that brother's wife) as all these people would be directly genetically related to me, sharing between 25-50% of my genes.

 

Some cancers do have genetic factors - eg women and breast cancer running down the generations so your GP is right to ask and you should answer as fully as possibe for immediate relatives as @ViewAhead says.

Many cancers are more due to environmental factors - eg smoking or viruses such as papillona or skin cancer form exposur eto excess sun - but genetics play a role there too with some people being more prone than others.

 

@Purple Streaks. Just answer as best you can, should the Dr want more info He/She will ask.

@Escarpment. My father died of prostate cancer, but that's not exactly relevant to my health.
When I was diagnosed with prostate cancer I was advised to tell my sons and other male relatives to have a check up.
Believe me the sooner P/C is diagnosed, or otherwise the better!
The early days after diagnosis are not very pleasant.

 

Fair enough, I have no children though and my brother should already be well aware!

 

I hope you are doing OK now @Cordy, I have known a few men who have been through it. My father died at only 69, didn't get much time to enjoy his retirement or his new marriage (he remarried in his early 60s after his second wife, not my mother, died of breast cancer). Very sad for his wife; she thought she had a new lease of life and someone to grow old with, instead she ended up his carer and then lost him.

 

@Escarpment. Yes I am managing fine, diagnosed in the depths of Covid.
Here in Wigan we get very good care and treatment.
Many visits to Christies at Manchester.
The only downside for me is acute fatigue- on account of the tablets. I am still keen on gardening, but can only do about ten minutes, then I have to come indoors and rest.
Yesterday I planted some Onion sets - Radar - which I am looking forward to next year.
I am 81 btw, and have a very supportive wife and family.