Familial Cancer and Prevention Molecular Epidemiology: A New Strategy Toward Cancer Control

A New Strategy Toward Cancer Control. Still in its infancy, the familial/hereditary approach to cancer control is proving to be one of the most potent strategies in the war on cancer. Over the past few years the human genome project has generated an abundance of valuable information on the genetic origins of a range of cancers. Tests now exist for several hereditary, tumor-promoting genetic mutations-including those found in BRCA genes associated with breast cancer as well as mutations of HNPCC genes which have been linked to colon cancers-and many more are anticipated in the near future. Armed with the information yielded by these tests, physicians have already saved countless lives through preventative counseling, early detection, and more highly-focused intervention strategies. Inspired by the proceedings of the UICC 1997 Symposium on Familial Cancer and Prevention held in Kobe, Japan, this volume provides clinicians and researchers with a detailed review of the latest developments at the front lines of the familial cancer prevention movement. In a series of edited contributions, leading researchers and clinicians from around the globe summarize their experiences and analyze current and emerging trends in: * Information gathering and history taking. * Risk assessment. * Genetic testing for colorectal, endocrine, breast, and other familial cancers. * Diagnosis, prognosis, and management of an array of familial cancers. * Genetic counseling for familial cancers. Up-to-date, authoritative, and comprehensive, Familial Cancer and Prevention is an important working resource for clinicians, cancer researchers, and epidemiologists.