A cancer syndrome, also called hereditary cancer syndrome, is the genetic predisposition to develop cancer. It increases a person's lifetime chance of developing cancer, and usually at earlier stages in life. The most common types of cancer that can be genetically transmitted include breast, colorectal, gynecologic and endocrine cancers.[1] However, cancer syndrome cases only account for 5 to 10% of all cancer cases.[2]
Cancers that are caused by genetic predispositions are called hereditary cancers.
Contents |
This genetic predisposition is usually transmitted in the autosomal dominant manner, in rare cases it may transmitted as an autosomal recessive trait. Three types of genes may be affected: protooncogenes, tumor suppressor genes or mismatch repair genes. Cancer syndromes often manifest also in relatives and show development of independent multiple tumors, early onset and typical phenotypical combinations.
Hereditary cancer tends to occur at an abnormally early stage in life
Sporadic cancer tends to occur at a later stage in life
According to several authorities in the subject, there are a few features an individual with genetic cancer predisposition can be on then lookout for: Two or more relatives on the same side of the family have had the same type of cancer Cancer is diagnosed at an earlier stage in life than usual More than one primary cancer is diagnosed in the individual (does not include recurring cancers) Cluster of cancers related to a known cancer syndrome develop [4]
Coming up with a cancer family tree for proper diagnosis of a given individual and future additions is recommended by experts. These cancer family trees should include thorough information that includes all family members from each side of the family as well as each cancer patient's specifics on the type of cancer they suffered from. It is also recommended conditions other than cancer are described and detailed as well for these could be somehow related to certain cancers. Cancer first-degree relatives like a parent, child, or sibling are comparatively more significant than a second degree relatives like grandparents, grandchildren, uncles, aunts, nieces, or nephews, and so on when determining possible cancer inheritance.[5] Generally speaking, the closer the relationship between family members with cancer, the more significant the presence of cancer may be in a family. Patients also have the alternative of undertaking a genetic test; however, the effects of such a test on a person's perception of his or her overall health may become disrupted. On line genetic testing specifically is questioned because it can become a double-edged weapon for the patient.
Genetic testing has proven effective in determining certain risk factors in someone with a family risk history, under correct and professional interpretation and medical guidance. Thanks to genetic testing, individuals can prevent future conditions and decrease risks. However, some point out the dangers of freely ordered genetic testing without medical counseling. “Although commercial genetic tests offer tantalizing glimpses into your hereditary makeup, the information they provide isn't all that useful for avoiding disease — and may even cause more harm than good”. [4] This concern has to do with the fact that non assessed testing leaves the patient without explanations about what the test really uncovers. An uneducated interpretation of a genetic test can cause more anxiety and fear in the patient than relief. Non supervised genetic testing can lead to acquiring a dangerous false sense of reassurance. “People who test negative for a particular disease risk might feel a false sense of reassurance. They might be less motivated to take steps to prevent the disease, even though there's no guarantee they won't get it.”[4]
Some of the most common hereditary cancer syndromes include: Hereditary breast-ovarian cancer syndrome (HBOC), Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), Cowden Syndrome, Peutz–Jeghers syndrome