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Genetic testing for familial cancer. A clinician's perspective
J M Hilden1, J Watterson, C L Garr
1Department of Hematology/Oncology, Children's Health Care-St. Paul, USA.
Minnesota Medicine
|April 1, 1996
Summary
Genetic testing for the RET gene mutation can identify individuals at risk for medullary thyroid cancer and multiple endocrine neoplasia. Early detection through familial cancer clinics aids in cancer prevention and management.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Molecular Diagnostics
Background:
- Recent identification of cancer-predisposing genes and mutations.
- Development of molecular diagnostic tests for inherited cancer risk.
- Barriers to cancer genetic testing include limited practitioner awareness and patient apprehension.