Genetics of Hereditary Cancer

Abstract

Nowadays cancer is the disease that causes most deaths in the world. Therefore, it has been the target of innumerable researches which have discovered its relation with hereditariety. It is known that cancer derives from alterations in oncogenes, in genes belonging to the tumors suppressors group or in genes of the group that repairs DNA. Many of these genes have already been discovered, identified and related to certain types of cancer. These findings fostered new methods of diagnosis and treatment for many types of neoplasms. Genetic counseling for patients suspicious of carrying a mutant gene responsible for any type of hereditary cancer may reduce its morbid-mortality and offer an improved quality of life. This article presents the main types of hereditary cancers and of genes responsible for their respective cancers and discusses the best management for patients after the discovery of a mutant gene.