Basic population and cancer genetics and their use in the assessment of cancer risk

There is considerable evidence that alteration in the content or expression of a cell's genetic information is responsible for the unregulated growth and abnormal differentiation of the malignant state. A number of inherited preneoplastic syndromes are characterised by an increased risk of subs...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:European Journal of Cancer 1997-11, Vol.33 (13), p.2160-2166
Main Authors: Lyman, G.H., Kuderer, N.M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biological and medical sciences
Epidemiology
Genetics, Population
Humans
Mass Screening
Medical sciences
Neoplasms - genetics
Neoplasms - prevention & control
Neoplastic Syndromes, Hereditary - genetics
Neoplastic Syndromes, Hereditary - prevention & control
Precancerous Conditions - genetics
Risk Assessment
Tumors
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Summary:There is considerable evidence that alteration in the content or expression of a cell's genetic information is responsible for the unregulated growth and abnormal differentiation of the malignant state. A number of inherited preneoplastic syndromes are characterised by an increased risk of subsequent malignancy. In addition, several neoplasms are inherited in an autosomal dominant manner with incomplete penetrance. These are characterised by early age of onset and the frequent appearance of multiple primary tumours. The genetics of more common cancers such as those of the breast and colon are clearly multifactorial with contributions from several genes as well as environmental factors. Clear familial patterns are often present and risk relates to the degree and number of family members affected. The role of genetic factors in the majority of cancer patients remains poorly defined.
ISSN:0959-8049
1879-0852
DOI:10.1016/S0959-8049(97)00307-9