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Genetics

In order to effectively treat, cure and ultimately prevent cancer, it is important to learn the causes. Over the past several years, advances in the study of cancer genetics has revealed a link between some cancers and specific, inherited genes.

According to the National Cancer Institute's web site, gathering genetic information such as family history and (in some cases) DNA-based testing helps identify people with an increased risk of cancer. It must be stressed that it only indicates an increased risk. In some cases, family history may indicate the presence of mutations which may lead to cellular changes increasing the risk of cancer. Less often, family history indicates the presence of an inherited cancer predisposition conferring a relatively high lifetime risk of cancer. In some cases, DNA-based testing can be used to confirm a specific mutation as the cause of the inherited risk, and to determine whether family members have inherited the mutation. For more information, please visit the National Cancer Institute's web site.

Currently, the cancers known to have a genetic link or component are breast, ovarian, prostate and thyroid. Information about the U-M's approach to these cancers is available on the following pages:

• Breast & Ovarian Cancer Genetic Risks
• Prostate Genetics Project
• Colorectal Cancer Genetics
• Cancer Genetics Clinic

See Also:

• Family Matters: When Cancer Is Inherited
• Cancer Genetics page on the National Cancer Institute's web site
• GeneticHealth.com

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University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center
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This site is part of the U-M Health System. The information presented is not a tool for self diagnosis or a substitute for professional care. © 2008 U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center