Hereditary Cancer Syndromes: Identifying and Treating Patients at Risk

Course overview

Family history has long been an established risk factor for cancer. Family history influences cancer risk in many ways. Families share genes, but they also tend to share habits and environments that create disease clusters among relatives. A small subset (5% to 10% of all cancers) are due to a hereditary syndrome. Genetic tests have been developed and are in use for at least 50 known hereditary cancer syndromes. People with hereditary cancer syndromes benefit from strategies aimed at prevention, early detection through surveillance, and improved cancer treatment. Genetic testing for hereditary predisposition to cancer, and knowledge of the resultant impact on medical care, are rapidly evolving. Genetic testing for hereditary cancer risk has become the standard of care in many clinical circumstances.