Synopsis
Family history is widely recognised as an important risk factor for common cancer, and 5-10 percent of cancers are considered to be attributable to an inherited cancer predisposition.
During the past decade there have been major developments in cancer genetics with the identification and characterisation of genes involved in the inherited forms of several common human cancers.
The improved ability to detect individuals at high risk though analysis of their family history and/or genetic testing has been accompanied by major advances in screening, surveillance and prevention.
