Genetics of Cancer - Introduction

Abstract

While the vast majority of cancers are considered to be sporadic in nature, approximately 5% of all cancers are the result of highly penetrative mutations in cancer genes. The influence of environment in the development of leukemia, lymphoma, lung and digestive system cancers has been established by oncologists and scientists worldwide. However, small percentage of cancers, most notably, breast, ovarian and prostate cancers, appears to be inherited. The inherited cancers are recognized by an earlier age of the patient at diagnosis and by the fact that a particular type of cancer affects two or more successive generations. Inherited predisposition to cancer usually involves a significant mutation in the genes that prevent cancer development and/or in the genes that stimulate growth of cancer.

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• Development of cancer: sporadic vs. hereditary
• Role of genetic testing in early diagnosis of cancer
• Role of genetic testing in determining individual's susceptibility to developing cancer

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