There are clinical clues which could suggest that a family has an inherited susceptibility to a common disease, or that a condition has a strong genetic component.
- Some things to consider are:
Multiple closely related individuals with the same condition, particularly if the condition is rare. - Disorders which occur at an earlier age than usual (especially if onset is early in multiple family members.) Examples include:
• Breast cancer <45-50 years (premenopausal)
• Colon cancer <45-50 years
• Prostate cancer <50-60 years
• Vision loss <50–60 years
• Dementia <60 years
• Young onset cataracts
• Deafness (congenital or juvenile)
• Blindness (congenital or juvenile) - Sudden cardiac deaths in people who seemed healthy
- Individual or couple with three or more pregnancy losses (e.g. miscarriages, stillbirths)
- Medical problems in the offspring of parents who are related by blood
- Multiple congenital anomalies or dysmorphic features, particularly if associated with developmental delay.
There is a network of specialist genetic services available to help provide support and advice, please contact the All Wales Medical Genetics Services.