Collecting relevant information
The initial stage of a risk assessment consultation aims to know better the person being seen. It is essential to learn about:
Family history:
- Relatives affected by cancer
- What type of cancer? In which organ did it first emerge?
- At what age did the cancer develop?
- Are there any samples from these tumors?
- Is there any suspicion of a hereditary syndrome in the family?
Detailed medical and/or surgical history:
- Any personal history of colorectal cancer or adenomas?
- Any manifestations associated with a hereditary syndrome?
(e.g., Congenital Hypertrophy of the Retinal Pigment Epithelium) - Any inflammatory intestinal/bowel diseases?
- Is there a pathological analysis done on any polyps removed?
All this information should be taken to your first appointment, together with the most relevant medical tests, and the tumor(s) histopathology report (as well as those of 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 the family.