[soothingblue81Participant]

Hi All, my mum has been diagnosed with myeloma and has been having treatment. She also has lymphoma. The myeloma is at 20%. I read lots of information on this type of cancer but came across that it could be hereditary. Should the family be getting tested for this?

[paulapurpleParticipant]

The hereditary component is very slight I believe. The Myeloma Introductory booklet states:

..people who have a close relative (parent, sibling, child) with myeloma are up to twice as likely to get myeloma than the general population

The Myeloma Info pack states:

There is a slight tendency for myeloma to occur in families. Although rare, this suggests there are inherited genetic factors in myeloma. However, these alone are not enough to cause myeloma but may make an individual have a slightly higher risk of developing myeloma – other environmental factors also need to have an impact before it develops.

Although close relatives are twice as likely the overall risk is small anyway so although it sounds bad it amounts to a small risk. I am sure the Myeloma Info line would help you talk it through. I think the most important thing is that children are aware of it so that later on, if they are feeling unwell they can ask the GP to do a Myeloma blood test.

Good luck with it all.

Paula

[gemma6581Participant]

Hello

Both of my mother’s parents had Myeloma, my Grandmother died at the very young age of 37 and my Grandad was 62. My Mother has also just been diagnosed with Myeloma 2 weeks ago.

Due to the this both of my Mum’s brothers are going for testing. I have spoken to my GP and I am also going to be tested and my Doctor has referred me to see a geneticist, due to both Grandparents and now Mother having myeloma.

It is strange as we were always told by many doctors, that it isn’t a disease that is inherited.

It might be a good idea to have regular testing in the future and it will also give you piece of mind.

[rosie1961Participant]

My dad had MM. I had some random feelings in my right leg, so I mentioned this to the GP. I was subsequently diagnosed with MGUS aged 54. No idea if this is genetic or just coincidence. My PP is very low so I am tested once a year.

[Author]

Posts