Familial cancers. An overview.
BACKGROUND
Some individuals carry inherited genetic mutations that place them at a substantially increased risk of developing certain types of cancer. The genetic basis for many familial cancer syndromes is now understood.


OBJECTIVE
To outline how to recognise familial cancer syndromes on the basis of family history, and to describe the management of such individuals at familial cancer clinics.


CONCLUSIONS
Familial cancer syndromes are presumed to account for 5-10% of all cancers. They are typically characterised by early age of onset of cancer and the occurrence of cancer in multiple members of the same family. Recognition of such families allows preventive strategies to be instituted with the aim of reducing the morbidity and mortality of familial cancer syndromes. In some families genetic testing can be performed, with appropriate counselling, to further clarify the risk of cancer and to better target preventive strategies.
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Genetic Health Services Victoria, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria.
D006801:Humans; D009386:Neoplastic Syndromes, Hereditary / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control