title: Common hereditary cancer syndromes.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To review cancer risk assessment and counseling, hereditary cancer syndrome risk factors, indicators for cancer predisposition testing, and interpretation of genetic test results.
  
  
  METHODS
  Research studies, review articles, and authors' experience.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Approximately 10% of those with a diagnosis of cancer may have a hereditary predisposition. In many cases genetic testing for susceptibility genes may be available. Knowledge of the results of genetic testing can be helpful when developing a plan for cancer prevention and early detection, and addressing concerns associated with genetic testing with the individual and family.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Nurses need to know how to access genetic resources and to identify, evaluate, and care for patients and families at risk of or diagnosed with common hereditary cancer syndromes.
authors.affiliation: Oregon Health & Science University, Department of Nursing, Portland, OR 97239-2941, USA.
authors.forename: Karen E
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Greco
authors.forename: Suzanne
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mahon
mesh_terms: D005817:Genetic Counseling; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D009386:Neoplastic Syndromes, Hereditary / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics / Q000451:nursing; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000193:education / Q000592:standards; D012307:Risk Factors