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[bazdowning]

My father has just been diagnosed with MM, He is just 65 and been told that it could be passed on to me too. I was wondering if anyone knows if I can get tested just because my dad has it fortunatly he has been diagnosed early and is fine at the moment no treatment needed

[ShellsPorter]

Hi Bazdowning, sorry to read your Dad’s been diagnosed with Myeloma.

This is what Myeloma UK say

“Myeloma is not inherited in the same way as some diseases are – such as cystic fibrosis and some forms of breast cancer – which are known to be caused by a single inherited gene. There is, however, a slightly higher incidence of myeloma amongst family members than in the general population which does indicate an inherited genetic element.

Studies have shown that there are some genetic ‘errors’ which can increase the likelihood of a person developing myeloma, and that these genetic errors are inherited. However, their effect is very small. This means that individuals may inherit a certain combination of genetic errors that puts them at higher risk of developing myeloma but these are only a small part of the puzzle.

It is certain that other genetic and environmental factors are needed before myeloma develops.”

So in other words, the chances of you having Myeloma are very slim. I have Myeloma, and I have 25 year old son. If there were a test to see if he could possibly get Myeloma I personally wouldn’t want him to have it for a couple of reasons... there would be a very small risk of him developing it, even if he did have the genetic errors, and it would be like a axe hanging over his head for the rest of his life waiting for something that probably won’t happen...and also unlike breast cancer, at the moment there is nothing you can do to prevent it anyway.

The keyword here really is awareness..I’ve made him aware of the things to look for such as bone pain, reoccurring infections, anaemia. These things can point to many illnesses including Myeloma, and if he does get this to tell his GP that I’ve got Myeloma and can he have the blood tests to be checked.

Here is a link to the MUK infosheet about this subject that you may find useful to read.

myeloma.org.uk/information/...

Hope your father doesn’t need treatment for a good while yet!

[bazdowning in reply to ShellsPorter]

Thank you so much for that very reasurring to know I can see where you are coming from as my son Is 24 and I wouldn't want him to have it hanging over his head too. It was just something that was troubling my father at the time and be wanted to make sure I was ok. But think after a few days talks and coming to terms with it he is a little easier

Many thanks again

Baz

[N1man69]

Who told your father that? It’s entirely incorrect.

[bazdowning in reply to N1man69]

It was a doctor that told him

But from what in have read and been told it's just a little more of a chance I could get it if I have the genetic errors

But thank you for that

[carlyroo]

They don't test because when you get the clear result it well only prove that you are clear at this moment in time. You have only a minute increase in likelihood of having myeloma. See the doctor if you get any symptoms. See Myeloma Uk website. They are really helpful and you can download lots of information.