Understanding Genomic And Hereditary Cancer Risk

"Collecting a family medical history is a regular component of the nursing assessment process that often includes information on familial cancer diagnoses, and patients may fear that they or their loved ones might be at increased risk for developing cancer because of hereditary factors. Although true inherited risk for developing cancer is much less common than acquired risk for developing cancer, approximately 10% of cancer diagnoses can be attributed to inherited risk. The identification of families exhibiting hereditary cancer syndromes enables individuals at risk to engage in increased surveillance and, in some cases, risk-reducing surgery and other preventive measures, which ultimately lead to decreasing the morbidity and mortality associated with a cancer diagnosis. The role of the nurse in helping patients to understand and manage hereditary cancer risk requires specialized knowledge of genetics and genomics concepts. Understanding Genomic and Hereditary Cancer Risk: A Handbook for Oncology Nurses provides background on basic genetic and genomic concepts, particularly those related to hereditary risk for developing cancer, to aid nurses in knowing when and why to refer patients. It also provides reliable information about how and why genetic and genomic testing can both aid in treatment decisions and also guide recommendations for cancer prevention and early detection. The nurse's role in genetic testing and counseling are discussed, as are questions and answers about types of testing, including direct-to-consumer genetic testing. Following genetic testing, most genetics professionals provide detailed information about recommendations for care, including recommendations for ongoing prevention and early detection. For patients who are found to have a harmful mutation, these recommendations can be extensive and are based on the personal and family medical history, as well as the specific variant. This book provides quick overviews of many of the more common hereditary variants as well as resources for more information. This handbook provides nurses with the essentials to understand genomic and hereditary cancer risk, to assist in facilitating interprofessional care with genetics and other oncology professionals, and to provide their patients with accurate and reassuring information"--

"Collecting a family medical history is a regular component of the nursing assessment process that often includes information on familial cancer diagnoses, and patients may fear that they or their loved ones might be at increased risk for developing cancer because of hereditary factors. Although true inherited risk for developing cancer is much less common than acquired risk for developing cancer, approximately 10% of cancer diagnoses can be attributed to inherited risk. The identification of families exhibiting hereditary cancer syndromes enables individuals at risk to engage in increased surveillance and, in some cases, risk-reducing surgery and other preventive measures, which ultimately lead to decreasing the morbidity and mortality associated with a cancer diagnosis. The role of the nurse in helping patients to understand and manage hereditary cancer risk requires specialized knowledge of genetics and genomics concepts. Understanding Genomic and Hereditary Cancer Risk: A Handbook for Oncology Nurses provides background on basic genetic and genomic concepts, particularly those related to hereditary risk for developing cancer, to aid nurses in knowing when and why to refer patients. It also provides reliable information about how and why genetic and genomic testing can both aid in treatment decisions and also guide recommendations for cancer prevention and early detection. The nurse's role in genetic testing and counseling are discussed, as are questions and answers about types of testing, including direct-to-consumer genetic testing. Following genetic testing, most genetics professionals provide detailed information about recommendations for care, including recommendations for ongoing prevention and early detection. For patients who are found to have a harmful mutation, these recommendations can be extensive and are based on the personal and family medical history, as well as the specific variant. This book provides quick overviews of many of the more common hereditary variants as well as resources for more information. This handbook provides nurses with the essentials to understand genomic and hereditary cancer risk, to assist in facilitating interprofessional care with genetics and other oncology professionals, and to provide their patients with accurate and reassuring information"--

It has been recognized for almost 200 years that certain families seem to inherit cancer. It is only in the past decade, however, that molecular genetics and epidemiology have combined to define the role of inheritance in cancer more clearly, and to identify some of the genes involved. The causative genes can be tracked through cancer-prone families via genetic linkage and positional cloning. Several of the genes discovered have subsequently been proved to play critical roles in normal growth and development. There are also implications for the families themselves in terms of genetic testing with its attendant dilemmas, if it is not clear that useful action will result. The chapters in The Genetics of Cancer illustrate what has already been achieved and take a critical look at the future directions of this research and its potential clinical applications.

The role of genetics is becoming increasingly important in all aspects of healthcare and particularly in the field of cancer care. Genetics for Health Professionals in Cancer Care: From Principles to Practice equips health professionals with the knowledge and skills required for all aspects of managing cancer family history. This includes taking an accurate cancer family history and drawing a family tree; understanding cancer biology, basic cancer genetics and the genes involved in hereditary breast, ovarian, prostate, colorectal, gastric and related gynaecological cancers and rare cancer predisposing syndromes; assessing cancer risk and communicating risk information; early detection and risk reducing measures available for those at increased risk and managing individuals with hereditary cancer. Drawing on experiences of health professionals, Genetics for Health Professionals in Cancer Care discusses the challenges raised and provides practical advice and insight into what happens when a patient is referred for genetic counselling and genetic testing, including the psychological, social and ethical issues faced by individuals and families with and at risk of hereditary cancer. The book also provides practical guidance on setting up a cancer family history clinic in primary and secondary care. Genetics for Health Professionals in Cancer Care is essential reading for healthcare professionals working with cancer patients and their families, and is an ideal reference text for non-specialists working in cancer genetics.

Advances in genetics are transforming estimates of an individual’s risk of developing cancer and approaches to prevention and management of cancer in those who may have increased susceptibility. Identifying and caring for patients with hereditary cancer syndromes and their family members present a complex clinical, scientific and social challenge. This textbook, by leading experts at Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, highlights the current understanding of the genetics of hereditary cancers of the breast, ovary, colorectum, stomach, pancreas, kidney, skin, and endocrine organs. Practical guidelines for the use of genetic testing, cancer screening and surveillance, prophylactic surgery, and promising targeted therapeutic agents are discussed. In addition, ongoing research involving genome-wide screens to identify novel modest risk-associated genetic loci are explored, along with new approaches to the application of genetic markers in guiding therapeutic options.

Get a quick, expert overview of the many key facets of pediatric cancer genetics with this concise, practical resource by Dr. Nathaniel H. Robin and Meagan Farmer, MS, CGC, MBA. Ideal for pediatric oncologists and all providers who care for children, this easy-to-read reference addresses the remarkable potential of genetic testing as well as the complexities of choosing the correct test, understanding the results, and counseling the family. Features a wealth of information on pediatric cancer genetics, including the epidemiology and biology of cancer and the genetic evaluation process and role of genetic counselors. Highlights examples of syndromes that present in childhood and increase susceptibility to cancer. Discusses the genetic evaluation process in context of the multidisciplinary care of children with cancer. Considers the ethical and legal issues of genetic testing in children and provides illustrative case examples. Consolidates today’s available information and guidance in this timely area into one convenient resource.

FIRST PRIZE Winner in the Oncology category of the 2010 BMA Medical Book Competition. Intensive research over the last fifteen years has yielded a vast expansion in our understanding of the role of inheritance and genetics in a variety of cancers. Several inherited conditions have been identified which result in a high risk of various cancers; some of these were previously recognized, but the genetic basis underlying them has now been elucidated. This knowledge is now entering the sphere of routine clinical care. Surgeons, gastroenterologists, gynaecologists, oncologists, endocrinologists and many others need an awareness of these disorders, an understanding of genetic testing and when it is indicated, and how to manage patients with inherited cancer predisposition and their families. This book covers the basic concepts of cancer genetics. The common inherited cancer syndromes are each dealt with in greater depth, with the current management outlined. This book is aimed at all clinicians who may encounter these conditions in their practice. It aims to facilitate identification of high-risk individuals and families, to inform interaction with geneticists and other subspecialists, to provide a basis for patient management and to stimulate interest in these fascinating conditions.

Cancer Genomics addresses how recent technological advances in genomics are shaping how we diagnose and treat cancer. Built on the historical context of cancer genetics over the past 30 years, the book provides a snapshot of the current issues and state-of-the-art technologies used in cancer genomics. Subsequent chapters highlight how these approaches have informed our understanding of hereditary cancer syndromes and the diagnosis, treatment and outcome in a variety of adult and pediatric solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. The dramatic increase in cancer genomics research and ever-increasing availability of genomic testing are not without significant ethical issues, which are addressed in the context of the return of research results and the legal considerations underlying the commercialization of genomic discoveries. Finally, the book concludes with "Future Directions", examining the next great challenges to face the field of cancer genomics, namely the contribution of non-coding RNAs to disease pathogenesis and the interaction of the human genome with the environment. Tools such as sidebars, key concept summaries, a glossary, and acronym and abbreviation definitions make this book highly accessible to researchers from several fields associated with cancer genomics. Contributions from thought leaders provide valuable historical perspective to relate the advances in the field to current technologies and literature.