The Genetics of Cancer


Book Description

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.




Understanding Genomic and Hereditary Cancer Risk


Book Description

"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"--







Genetics of Colorectal Cancer


Book Description

Genetic susceptibility refers to how variations in a person’s genes increase or decrease his or her susceptibility to environmental factors, such as chemicals, radiation and lifestyle (diet and smoking). This volume will explore the latest findings in the area of genetic susceptibility to gastrointestinal cancers, focusing on molecular epidemiology, DNA repair, and gene-environment interactions to identify factors that affect the incidence of GI cancers. Topics will include germline susceptibility, including Mendelian patterns of inheritance and gene-environment interactions that lead to cancer etiology.




The American Cancer Society's Principles of Oncology


Book Description

Developed by the American Cancer Society this new textbook designed for a wide range of learners and practitioners is a comprehensive reference covering the diagnosis of cancer, and a range of related issues that are key to a multidisciplinary approach to cancer and critical to cancer control and may be used in conjunction with the book, The American Cancer Society's Oncology in Practice: Clinical Management. Edited by leading clinicians in the field and a stellar contributor list from the US and Europe, this book is written in an easy to understand style by multidisciplinary teams of medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and other specialists, reflecting day-to-day decision-making and clinical practice. Input from pathologists, surgeons, radiologists, and other specialists is included wherever relevant and comprehensive treatment guidelines are provided by expert contributors where there is no standard recognized treatment. This book is an ideal resource for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of cancer prevention, screening, and follow-up, which are central to the ACS's worldwide mission on cancer control.




Clinical Gynecology


Book Description

Written with the busy practice in mind, this book delivers clinically focused, evidence-based gynecology guidance in a quick-reference format. It explores etiology, screening, tests, diagnosis, and treatment for a full range of gynecologic health issues. The coverage includes the full range of gynecologic malignancies, reproductive endocrinology and infertility, infectious diseases, urogynecologic problems, gynecologic concerns in children and adolescents, and surgical interventions including minimally invasive surgical procedures. Information is easy to find and absorb owing to the extensive use of full-color diagrams, algorithms, and illustrations. The new edition has been expanded to include aspects of gynecology important in international and resource-poor settings.




Prophylactic Surgery


Book Description

This volume introduces the reader to the most important standards and principles of prophylactic surgery. After discussing the comparative effectiveness of screening in the treatment of hereditary cancer syndromes and evaluating genetic predisposition, the book moves on to address ethical, legal, social and cost-effectiveness dimensions of prophylactic surgery. With the aim of preventing hereditary predisposition syndromes, it also includes a chapter on the application of preventive surgery to all specific fields of surgery. Given its scope, the book will appeal to a broad readership, from experienced surgeons to students.




Hereditary Colorectal Cancer


Book Description

This book provides information on a wide variety of issues ranging from genetics to clinical description of the syndromes, genetic testing and counseling, and clinical management including surveillance, surgical and prophylactic interventions, and chemoprevention. Moreover, current hot issues, such as the identification of novel causal genes and the challenges we face, and the relevance of cancer risk modifiers, both genetic and environmental, are also discussed. This reference book is great for geneticists, oncologists, genetic counselors, researchers, clinicians, surgeons and nurses dedicated to, or interested in, hereditary cancer. The best and most recognized experts in the field have contributed to this project, guaranteeing updated information, accuracy and the discussion of topical issues.







The Hereditary Basis of Childhood Cancer


Book Description

This volume elaborates on the research and clinical implications of the hereditary and molecular basis of childhood cancers. The focus of the ‘disease-related’ chapters of the book is to integrate what is known about the molecular basis of that particular clinical entity (or group of related entities) with the clinical manifestations, to relate the relationship of the molecular oncologic pathways with relevant developmental or non-human species biology in order to better understand the complexity of these systems. The resulting clinical implications of understanding this biology are elaborated on. Chapters 13-16 discuss the broader psychosocial, ethical and genetic counseling issues that arise and that are so critical to translating the knowledge gained from advances in molecular genetics into the clinic. Chapter 12 in particular provides a unique perspective of the application of this knowledge in less-developed nations where ‘modern’ technologies may not be readily available, but where the clinical manifestations of these disorders are prevalent.