Cancer and family history
My father or mother had bowel cancer: what should I ask?
A parent's bowel cancer can make you wonder about screening, inherited changes and what to tell your own doctor. The first useful step is to clarify what was diagnosed and what the family already knows.
Bowel cancer often refers to cancer of the colon or rectum. A remembered phrase such as stomach cancer, intestinal problem or polyps may mean something different. Keep the wording uncertain until it can be checked.
Organise cancer and polyp information separately
Write down the original site and approximate age of the cancer diagnosis. If polyps were mentioned, ask whether there is a documented polyp history or a named polyposis condition, rather than assuming that all polyps mean the same thing.
Use separate notes for separate diagnoses. A cancer spreading to another organ is not necessarily a second primary cancer. If you cannot tell the difference from a family conversation, make it a question for the clinician.
Understand two different hereditary discussions
Lynch syndrome is associated with inherited changes affecting MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2 or EPCAM. Polyposis has a different context: APC and MUTYH are examples discussed when numerous polyps or a documented polyposis condition are present.
These are examples of terminology, not a list of tests for someone with a parent who had bowel cancer. A colorectal diagnosis alone does not establish Lynch syndrome or polyposis. The professional must interpret the pattern and records.
Ask what an existing tumour test tells you
A tumour may have been checked for features that prompt consideration of Lynch syndrome. An abnormal tumour test does not, on its own, confirm an inherited family variant. The treating or genetics team can explain whether further clarification is relevant.
Instead of trying to decode abbreviations, note the report's title and ask who can review it. Respect your relative's permission. A public contact form or ordinary email is not the place to send their pathology or genetic report.
Keep screening decisions with your clinician
Ask: does this history change the screening advice that applies to me? Bring your age, previous screening information and any advice you have already received to the appointment. This guide does not set a colonoscopy date or interval.
If the family diagnosis is recent, you may want to plan a second conversation once records are available. You do not need to resolve every genetic question immediately. Current symptoms belong in a healthcare consultation, not an online family-history result.
What to prepare for the conversation
- Clarify colon, rectum or another original cancer site.
- Record the age approximately if the exact age is unknown.
- Keep the polyp history separate from the cancer history.
- Ask whether any family genetic finding was confirmed by a germline report.
- Request a clear, personal screening discussion with your clinician.
Common questions
Does bowel cancer in my father mean I have Lynch syndrome?
No. A parent's diagnosis cannot establish a syndrome in you. The records and family pattern need professional assessment.
Are all bowel polyps a sign of hereditary cancer?
No. Do not infer a polyposis condition from the word polyps alone. Ask what type, number and documented diagnosis the clinician needs to review.
Can Genidi tell me when to have a colonoscopy?
No. Screening timing depends on clinical circumstances and local guidance. Genidi can help organise the questions to take to the professional who advises you.
Sources and editorial review
Sources checked on 5 September 2026. Educational content prepared by Genidi; not yet reviewed by an independent clinician.