Collecting relevant information

The initial stage of a risk assessment consultation aims to know you (and your family) better. It is essential to learn about your:

Family history:

• Relatives affected by cancer
• What type of cancer? (Organ where it first emerged)
• At what age did the cancer develop?
• Are there any samples of these tumors?

Detailed clinical history:

• What is your history of breast and ovarian cancer?
• Have you been exposed to any significant risk factor? (e.g., hormone replacement therapy, radiation exposure or radiotherapy)
• Have you already had a biopsy?
• Your reproductive history

All this information should be taken to your first appointment, together with the most relevant medical tests, and the tumor(s) histopathology reports (including those from affected relatives).

This first consultation is also the ideal time to talk with the doctor and  reduce your anxiety  about the possibility of having hereditary cancer in your family.