It is normal to feel overwhelmed and unsure about what to do after getting a positive test result. It is important to know that just because you have a positive genetic test, it does not mean that your family members have cancer, or will definitely go on to get cancer.^1,2

Your Genetic Counsellor will talk to you and your family about the things you may be able to do to reduce their risk of getting cancer, and the option of your family members having a genetic test themselves, should they wish to. They might also be given some other options to help try to reduce their chance of getting cancer, if they also get a positive genetic test. 

Regular screening 

Screening is a type of test that looks for early signs of cancer in people who don’t have any symptoms. Having regular screening can identify signs of cancer earlier and, if there are any signs, it means you can start treatments earlier, which might reduce the risk of it developing further.²

Treatments to reduce your risk of cancer 

You may be able to have medication or surgery to help reduce your risk of getting a certain cancer. This will depend on the cancer you are at risk of getting. These treatments can impact other areas of your life, so deciding whether to go ahead with them requires a lot of careful thinking.²

Lifestyle changes

Leading a healthy life can help reduce your risk of getting certain types of cancer. This includes being active, eating a healthy, balanced diet and avoiding spending too much time in the sun or exposed to cigarette smoke.^3,4

If you have any questions, speak to your GP or genetic counsellor who will be able to give you more guidance. 

There are plenty of resources on this site to provide you with more information which might also help. If you have friends or family members who have also been impacted by the news these resources might help support them too. 

References:

1. Macmillan Cancer Support. Family history, genetics and cancer. Available at: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/worried-about-cancer/causes-and-risk-factors/family-history-genetics-and-cancer-risk. Accessed: November 2023. 
2. Cancer Research. Getting your genetic test results. Available at: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/inherited-cancer-genes-and-increased-cancer-risk/getting-your-genetic-test-results. Accessed: November 2023. 
3. Cancer Research. Causes of cancer and reducing your risk. Available at: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer. Accessed: November 2023. 
4. Macmillan Cancer Support. Causes and risk factors. Available at: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/worried-about-cancer/causes-and-risk-factors. Accessed: November 2023.