BBC Radio Derby Roadshow

Inherited Cancer Awareness: why family history matters

A Genetic Experts perspective on BBC Radio Derby’s “It Starts With You” campaign

13th August 2026

At Genetic Experts, we welcome BBC Radio Derby’s inherited cancer awareness campaign, “It Starts With You”. We are proud that our CEO, Vicki Kiesel, is featured in the campaign and is helping to raise awareness of the importance of inherited cancer risk, family history and access to appropriate genetic advice. The campaign highlights an important message: understanding your family history can help identify inherited cancer risks earlier, so that people and families can make informed choices about screening, prevention and genetic testing.

Our involvement in the campaign

As part of this important campaign, our CEO, Vicki Kiesel, attended the BBC Radio Derby radio show on 7 August, where she provided advice and risk assessments for attendees and spoke with radio presenter Becky Measures about inherited cancer risk. Vicki will also be present on 19 August to continue supporting conversations about family history, genetic risk and the value of seeking appropriate advice.

Why inherited cancer risk matters

Most cancers are not inherited. However, for some families, a change in a gene can increase the chance of developing particular cancers, sometimes at younger ages than expected. Well-known examples include changes in BRCA1 and BRCA2, which can increase the risk of breast, ovarian, prostate and pancreatic cancer, and Lynch syndrome, which can increase the risk of bowel, womb and other cancers.

The key point is not to alarm people, but to empower them. When an inherited risk is recognised, there may be practical options available, including earlier or more frequent screening, risk-reducing medication or surgery, lifestyle advice, and genetic testing for relatives who may also be at risk.

Start with your family history

A family history can be a powerful first step. Useful details include who in the family has had cancer, the type of cancer, their age at diagnosis, whether cancers occurred on one side of the family, and whether anyone has already had genetic testing. This information can help healthcare professionals decide whether a referral to a genetics service or familial cancer clinic is appropriate.

These conversations can feel difficult, particularly when cancer has affected loved ones. It may help to explain that you are gathering information to understand health risks for yourself and the wider family. Even small pieces of information can be useful.

When to seek advice

You may wish to seek advice from your GP or a genetics professional if there are several relatives with the same or related cancers, cancer diagnosed at a young age, ovarian cancer at any age, male breast cancer, bowel or womb cancer linked across generations, or a known genetic change in the family. A healthcare professional can review the pattern and advise whether further assessment is needed.

How Genetic Experts can help

Genetic Experts provides specialist genetic counselling and advice for individuals and families who are concerned about inherited cancer risk. We can help you understand your family history, explain what genetic testing can and cannot tell you, discuss the potential implications for relatives, and support you in making informed decisions that feel right for you.

Genetic information can be powerful, but it should also be handled with care. Our approach is sensitive, evidence-based and personalised, recognising that every family’s experience is different.

Knowledge can support earlier action

The message behind “It Starts With You” is simple and important: talking about family health history can help protect future generations. If you are worried about cancer in your family, you do not need to work it out alone. Starting the conversation and seeking appropriate advice may open the door to earlier support, clearer choices and better prevention.