Germline mutations in cancer susceptibility genes: an overview for nurses.
OBJECTIVE
To provide an overview of hereditary cancer susceptibility genes and associated cancer risks.


METHODS
Peer reviewed published research studies and review articles.


CONCLUSIONS
Identifying deleterious mutations in cancer susceptibility genes allows for clarification of cancer risk in individual family members and risk-level appropriate screening, and risk management recommendations. Evolving knowledge of the role of germline mutations provides an unprecedented opportunity to reduce cancer incidence, morbidity, and morality.


CONCLUSIONS
To provide individuals/families with accurate cancer risk management information and guidance, oncology nurses must be familiar with scientific discoveries related to cancer susceptibility genes.
Division of Clinical Cancer Genetics, Department of Population Science, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA. dmacdonald@coh.org
Deborah J
DJ
MacDonald
D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D018095:Germ-Line Mutation / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics* / Q000451:nursing; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000193:education; D010375:Pedigree; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D002352:Carrier Proteins