Cancer genetics in primary care.
The cloning of two major breast cancer susceptibility genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2, in 1994 and 1995 and the subsequent development of commercial genetic testing has brought hereditary cancer genetics into the public eye. In addition to DNA-based genetic testing, new strategies and treatments have been developed to provide accurate assessment of cancer risk and to reduce the chances of cancer developing in the future. This increasing scientific and public attention has prompted some cancer patients and their families to find out whether they "have the cancer gene" and has placed more responsibility on primary care clinicians to identify people who should be referred for specialized services of hereditary cancer genetics.
Center for Human Genetics, Case Western Reserve University, University Hospitals of Cleveland, 11100 Euclid Avenue, Lakeside 1500, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
Duane
D
Culler
Sarah J
SJ
Grimes
Louise S
LS
Acheson
Georgia L
GL
Wiesner
D011125:Adenomatous Polyposis Coli / Q000235:genetics; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics; D005260:Female; D005817:Genetic Counseling; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D005820:Genetic Testing; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics*; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics; D011320:Primary Health Care; D018570:Risk Assessment