Donor Has Cancer In Family

[BleuM]

I was so close to selecting my Donor but after reading medical history I found out there is a strong line of family members who have had some form of cancer. How important is it that I take this into consideration? Any advice is greatly appreciated.

[Twiglet2]

the odds of cancer are so high these days it’s probably really difficult to find someone who hasn’t had some form of cancer in their family but if it’s quite a few direct family members ie donors parents and siblings I probably wouldn’t chose that donor personally. We have a son from donor sperm and the doctors do ask these questions about asthma, stroke, cancer and diabetes etc and they seem most interested in our child’s biological maternal and paternal mother and father if that helps xx

[BleuM in reply to Twiglet2]

Yeah both maternal and paternal have had cancer. And two other family members. Thanks yeah I think I’m going to have to chose someone else.

[ChloeDE]

The odds of getting cancer are high. Does it state what type of cancer? Certain types are more likely to be genetic.

[BleuM in reply to ChloeDE]

Breast Cancer in both mother and grandmother. Lung cancer in father.

[ChloeDE]

Breast cancer can be genetic. I would consider asking for a different donor.

[BleuM in reply to ChloeDE]

Yeah, the search continues. Thanks.

[ChloeDE in reply to BleuM]

We went overseas (Czech Republic) because it was much faster and cheaper to get a donor. It might be worth considering. Good luck

[Rainbowretrieval]

It depends if it’s brca related cancer, otherwise it’s not considered heridetary/ genetic. My mum has BC and so did my Nan but not the brca variety so I won’t necessarily get it. 50% of all people will get cancer now so not sure it’s worth ruling out on this basis…

[BleuM]

Thanks I’ve definitely taken that into consideration. We all know someone who has been touched by cancer at some point in time so I’m not going to rule it out. Just going to focus more on matching with interests and values.