Could Your Family History Tell Us More?
Derbyshire Dales Primary Care Network is contacting patients aged 30 to 65 with a short
questionnaire about their family history and cancer risk.
If you have received or are expecting to receive a questionnaire from us, this page will
explain what it is, why we are sending it, and what happens next.
Key facts at a glance
- Takes fewer than 5 minutes to complete on your mobile phone
- Receiving this questionnaire does NOT mean there is a concern about your health
- It is completely confidential — your answers are only seen by authorised NHS staff
- There is nothing to prepare — just answer as best you can
What is the questionnaire about?
The questionnaire asks about cancers that have occurred in your close family, such as
parents, brothers, sisters, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and children.
Some cancers can run in families due to inherited genes. If a pattern of cancer appears in
your family history, it may mean you have a higher chance of developing certain cancers
yourself. Knowing this early gives us the opportunity to offer you extra support, before any
problems arise.
The types of cancer we are asking about include breast cancer, ovarian cancer, bowel
cancer, and a small number of related cancers.
How do I complete it?
You will receive a text message (SMS) with a secure link to the questionnaire. You can
complete it on your mobile phone, tablet, or computer. It should take fewer than five minutes.
You do not need to prepare anything in advance, but it may help to think about whether any
close relatives have been diagnosed with cancer.
What happens after I submit my answers?
Your answers will be reviewed by the PCN team, using a specialist NHS assessment tool. Based on your responses, one of two things will happen: Your result
No increased risk identified.
No further action is needed. You will continue to be invited to routine NHS screening as normal.
Slightly higher risk identified.
We will contact you to discuss what this means and whether any additional checks would be helpful for you.
Is this confidential?
Yes. Your answers are completely confidential. They are stored securely within the NHS and
will only be seen by authorised clinical staff involved in your care.
This initiative is carried out under NHS data protection law (UK GDPR). Your information will
never be shared with third parties, used for commercial purposes, or sold.
Do I have to take part?
No — taking part is entirely voluntary. If you do not wish to complete the questionnaire, you
do not need to do anything. You can also opt out at any time by contacting your GP surgery.
If you choose not to take part, it will have no effect on the care you receive from your GP or
any other NHS service
Frequently Asked Questions
I am not sure about some of my family history — should I still complete it?
Yes, please do. For any questions you are unsure about, simply select “Not sure”. Partial information is still very helpful and will not affect the accuracy of your results negatively.
Does this replace my routine NHS cancer screening (e.g. mammogram, bowel screening)?
No. This questionnaire is in addition to, not instead of, routine NHS cancer screening programmes. Please continue to attend any screening appointments you receive.
I have already had cancer myself — should I still complete the questionnaire?
Yes. Your own cancer history is relevant to the assessment and there is a section in the questionnaire for this. Please complete it as normal.
What is genetic testing and will I definitely need it?
Genetic testing looks for inherited gene changes that can increase cancer risk. The vast majority of patients will not need genetic testing. It is only offered to patients where there is a strong indication from the family history assessment.
How long will it take to get my results?
We aim to review all responses and contact patients with results within a few weeks of you submitting the questionnaire.
About this initiative
This project is led by Derbyshire Dales Primary Care Network (PCN), a group of GP
surgeries working together to improve health and wellbeing across the Derbyshire Dales.
The initiative supports the NHS Long Term Plan aim to diagnose more cancers earlier, when
treatment is more likely to be successful.