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Hereditary cancer in adults
H T Lynch1, R M Fusaro, J Lynch
1Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE 68178, USA.
Cancer Detection and Prevention
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Hereditary cancer syndromes, caused by genetic factors, often lack physical signs. A detailed family history and understanding cancer
Area of Science:
- Oncology and Genetics
Background:
- Primary genetic factors contribute to 5-10% of the overall cancer burden.
- Hereditary cancers often lack physical indicators, making family history crucial for diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To emphasize the importance of family history in diagnosing hereditary cancer syndromes.
- To highlight the role of understanding cancer natural history in developing surveillance strategies.
- To discuss the impact of molecular biology advancements in identifying germline mutations for cancer risk assessment.
Main Methods:
- Review of the natural history and genetic basis of hereditary cancer syndromes.
- Analysis of diagnostic criteria emphasizing family history.
- Discussion of molecular biology techniques for germline mutation detection.
Main Results:
- Over 200 mendelian inherited cancer syndromes exist, often characterized by early onset and multiple primary cancers.
- Family history is essential for identifying individuals at high risk for hereditary cancer syndromes.
- Molecular diagnostics, such as blood tests, can now identify specific germline mutations, predicting cancer risk.
Conclusions:
- Accurate diagnosis of hereditary cancer syndromes relies heavily on comprehensive family history.
- Targeted surveillance strategies can be effectively implemented by understanding the natural history of specific hereditary cancers.
- Genetic testing has revolutionized the identification of individuals with hereditary cancer, enabling proactive management.