title: Genetics in cancer prediction, screening, and counseling: Part I, Genetics in cancer prediction and screening.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To review molecular biology and gene technology as they relate to cancer prediction and screening.
  
  
  METHODS
  Published professional articles, texts, and proceedings; computerized data bases.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Basic principles of inheritance and mutations; a discussion of proto-oncogenes, oncogenes, and anti-oncogenes; a summary of gene-mapping techniques; and a review of genes linked to familial, breast, ovarian, and colorectal cancers.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Most human cancers are influenced genetically but are not inherited. Discoveries about cancer genes play a major role in identifying individuals and families who are likely to develop cancer.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Nurses need to heighten their awareness of this science and its ramifications, which ultimately will affect recommendations for early detection and screening.
authors.affiliation: University of Arizona, Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, USA.
authors.forename: L J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Loescher
mesh_terms: D016147:Genes, Tumor Suppressor; D005817:Genetic Counseling; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening; D009154:Mutation; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000451:nursing / Q000517:prevention & control; D009857:Oncogenes; D011379:Prognosis