Family History and Cancer Screening: How Often Should You Get Tested?
Having a family history of cancer can increase your risk. Learn how often you should undergo cancer screenings, which tests matter most, and how personalized screening plans can save lives.
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Last updated on 6th Aug, 2025
Cancer isn't always random. If it has appeared in your family tree, you might be wondering whether you're at higher risk and rightly so. While many cancers happen due to age, environment, or lifestyle, some are influenced by inherited genetic traits. That's where family history plays a significant role.
Knowing your background and getting regular screenings could be life-saving. But how often should you get tested if you have a family history of cancer? This article breaks down what you need to know, calmly and without medical jargon.
Why Your Family History Matters?
A family history of cancer means that one or more close blood relatives, like your mother, father, siblings, or grandparents, were diagnosed with cancer. While that doesn't guarantee you'll develop it, your chances might be higher depending on:
1. How many relatives were affected
2. What type of cancer did they have
3. How old were they when diagnosed
4. Whether the same cancer occurred on the same side of the family (e.g., maternal or paternal)
Some cancers are more likely to run in families. These include:
1. Breast and ovarian cancer
2. Bowel (colorectal) cancer
3. Prostate cancer
4. Pancreatic cancer
5. Melanoma (a severe form of skin cancer)
In these cases, a faulty gene could be passed from generation to generation, increasing the risk for some family members.
What Is Cancer Screening and Why Is It Important for You?
Cancer screening involves tests that look for signs of cancer before symptoms appear. These screenings are essential for everyone, but especially for people with a family history, as cancers can occur earlier and grow faster in genetically predisposed individuals.
Timely screening can:
1. Detect cancer early, when treatment is most successful
2. Catch pre-cancerous changes before they turn dangerous
3. Guide lifestyle or medical decisions to reduce future risk
If you're in a high-risk group, your doctor may recommend starting screening earlier and repeating it more often than usual guidelines suggest.
Assessing Your Risk: Who Counts as "Family"?
Not all relatives contribute equally to your cancer risk. Risk is highest if you have:
1. A first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) diagnosed with cancer, especially before age 50
2. Multiple family members affected by the same or related cancers
3. A known genetic mutation in your family (such as BRCA1, BRCA2, or Lynch syndrome genes)
The more closely related and the younger they were at diagnosis, the more relevant it is to your risk profile.
Cancer Screenings to Consider Based on Family History
Let's explore some of the most common cancers linked to family history and the recommended screening tests for each.
1. Breast Cancer
If your mother, sister, or daughter was diagnosed with breast cancer, especially under age 50, your risk is higher. If there's a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation in the family, the risk increases significantly.
Recommended Tests:
1. Mammogram: Begin around age 30–35, or 10 years earlier than the youngest case in your family.
2. Breast MRI: Often added for high-risk women, especially those with dense breasts or gene mutations.
Frequency: Once every 12 months (or more, depending on results and genetic status)
2. Colorectal (Bowel) Cancer
People with a close relative who developed bowel cancer before age 60 or two relatives at any age should start screening early.
Recommended Tests:
1. Colonoscopy: Considered the most accurate method to detect polyps and cancer.
Frequency: Every 5 years from age 40, or 10 years earlier than the youngest family case. If a hereditary condition like Lynch syndrome is involved, start by age 20–25 with screening every 1–2 years.
3. Ovarian Cancer
Though there's no universal screening test, women from high-risk families (especially with BRCA mutations) may be offered monitoring.
Recommended Tests:
1. Transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS)
2. CA-125 blood test
3. Genetic testing to confirm BRCA or other mutations
Frequency: Typically once a year, depending on your doctor's assessment. In some cases, preventive surgery may be advised after family completion.
4. Prostate Cancer
Men with a father or brother diagnosed with prostate cancer have a higher risk, especially if their relative was under 55.
Recommended Tests:
1. Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test
2. Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)
Frequency: Every 1–2 years from age 40–45 if high risk, depending on PSA results and clinical findings.
5. Melanoma (Skin Cancer)
If your family has a history of melanoma, it's essential to stay vigilant, especially if you have fair skin, numerous moles, or frequent sun exposure.
Recommended Tests:
1. Full-body skin exams by a dermatologist
2. Self-examination using the ABCDE rule (Asymmetry, Border, Colour, Diameter, Evolving)
Frequency: Dermatologist checks every 6–12 months, with monthly self-checks.
6. Pancreatic Cancer
Though rare, pancreatic cancer can run in families, primarily when associated with BRCA2 or Lynch syndrome.
Recommended Tests:
1. MRI or Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)
2. Genetic evaluation is necessary if more than one first-degree relative has been affected
Frequency: Annually, starting at age 50 or 10 years before the earliest diagnosis in the family.
Should You Get Genetic Testing?
Suppose your family's cancer history suggests a pattern or early onset, a genetic counsellor may recommend a DNA test. This involves a blood or saliva sample that checks for inherited mutations known to increase cancer risk.
Benefits of genetic testing:
1. You'll understand your risk better
2. You can create a more targeted screening plan
3. Your family members may also benefit from testing
If a mutation is identified, preventive strategies like increased screening, medication, or even surgery may be considered.
Screening Schedule Overview for High-Risk Individuals
Proactive Steps You Can Take
Even if you have a strong family history of cancer, you can take control of your health. Here's how:
- Keep a written record of your family's cancer history
- Discuss it with your GP or specialist, not just during illness but during regular check-ups
- Explore genetic testing if your doctor recommends it
- Stick to your screening schedule—mark it on your calendar
- Follow a healthy lifestyle: avoid smoking, eat well, stay active, and limit alcohol
- Stay alert to early symptoms and unusual changes in your body
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Conclusion
If cancer runs in your family, early screening can make all the difference. By understanding your risk and taking steps to monitor your health, you can shift the odds in your favour. Apollo 24|7 offers expert consultations and lab tests tailored to your cancer risk.
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Early detection, personalised screening, and lifestyle choices play a vital role in protecting your future. Don't wait for symptoms. Stay one step ahead. Explore Apollo 24| 7's cancer screening packages and book your test today.
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