Screening for cancer in high risk families.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To review screening for cancer in high risk families.

METHODS AND RESULTS:

Screening for hereditary cancer involves three steps: it is first necessary to identify families at high risk by examining the number and sites of cancer in a family. Special attention is given to cancers appearing at an early age, to unusual sites, and multiple primary cancers. Second, a molecular diagnostic test is performed in order to identify family members who carry a mutant copy of the suspected gene. DNA-based diagnostic testing is now available for hereditary breast-ovarian cancer, for hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer, for Gardner syndrome (familial polyposis coli), for neurofibromatosis, multiple endocrine neoplasia, and for Von-Hippel Lindau disease. Third, individuals found to carry susceptibility genes are offered screening for the early detection of tumours. Some screening methods are in conventional use (e.g., colonoscopy and mammography); others are reserved for the investigation of familial cancers (e.g., pentagastrin challenge test).

CONCLUSION:

A comprehensive clinic for hereditary cancer must consider all three phases of the screening program and will provide expert genetic counselling to family members involved in the process.

• Authors: S A Narod
• Journal: Clinical biochemistry (Clin Biochem) Vol. 28 Issue 4 Pg. 367-72 (Aug 1995) ISSN: 0009-9120 [Print] United States
• PMID: 8521590 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Biomarkers, Tumor

Topics

• Biomarkers, Tumor (analysis)
• Genetic Testing
• Humans
• Neoplasms (genetics, prevention & control)
• Risk Factors