Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Breast and Ovarian Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology

All cancers develop as a result of mutations in certain genes, such as those involved in the regulation of cell growth and/or DNA repair, but not all mutations are inherited. However, family studies have long documented an increased risk for several forms of cancer among first and second-degree relatives . Hereditary cancers are often characterized by mutations associated with a high probability of cancer development, vertical transmission through either mother or father, and an association with other types of tumors. They often have an early age of onset and exhibit an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. Familial cancers share only some features of hereditary cancers. Although other cancers are associated with these hereditary syndromes, these guidelines mainly focus on management of breast and ovarian cancer risk in these individuals. © Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.