Being referred to the Genetics Service

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The Genetics Service has sent you a questionnaire to ask for information
about your family.

The questionnaire asks for quite a lot of details about your relatives. We do need these so we can collect information and search databases.

We understand these details can be difficult for you to collect, so please just fill in whatever information you have.

Even if you do not have all the information please send back the questionnaire by:

This section will be completed on your physical copy of the leaflet.

If you do not return your questionnaire by the date stated above (and you have not contacted us) we will not be able to advise you. You will be discharged back to the care of the person who referred you.

If you find the questionnaire difficult to fill in, a member of our staff will be happy to talk to you on the phone. Please ring the numbers on the next page and they will see what they can do to help.

We are aware that the questionnaire can arrive at a time which is difficult for you and your family, and that you may prefer to fill it in at a later date. If so, please contact the Genetics Service on the numbers opposite to let us know.

When you feel ready to fill it in, just talk to your GP and ask them to make another referral.

What happens after I send you my questionnaire?

Once your questionnaire has been received one of the following will happen:

If your risk of developing cancer is no higher than the general population, we will write to you and your doctor explaining this. You will not need an appointment.
If your risk of developing cancer is higher than the general population you may qualify for additional cancer screening. You may be offered an appointment to discuss this and any other issues about your family and cancer. Alternatively, we may write to you and your doctor with our advice.
We may need further information about your relatives so we can make a full assessment.
You may be asked to pass consent forms to your relatives. This allows us to look at their relevant medical records. You may be asked to pass information to your relatives, or ask them to seek a referral to their local genetics team to help clarify family risks.

This process is designed to assess your family history.

If you have any symptoms you should still speak to your GP as usual.