A cancer syndrome, or family cancer syndrome, is a genetic disorder in which inherited genetic mutations in one or more genes predispose the affected individuals to the development of cancers and may also cause the early onset of these cancers. Cancer syndromes often show not only a high lifetime risk of developing cancer, but also the development of multiple independent primary tumors.

Many of these syndromes are caused by mutations in tumor suppressor genes, genes that are involved in protecting the cell from turning cancerous. Other genes that may be affected are DNA repair genes, oncogenes and genes involved in the production of blood vessels (angiogenesis). Common examples of inherited cancer syndromes are hereditary breast-ovarian cancer syndrome and hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer (Lynch syndrome).

Hereditary cancer syndromes underlie 5 to 10% of all cancers and there are over 50 identifiable hereditary forms of cancer. Scientific understanding of cancer susceptibility syndromes is actively expanding: additional syndromes are being found, the underlying biology is becoming clearer, and commercialization of diagnostic genetics methodology is improving clinical access. Given the prevalence of breast and colon cancer, the most widely recognized syndromes include hereditary breast-ovarian cancer syndrome and hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer (Lynch syndrome).

Some rare cancers are strongly associated with hereditary cancer predisposition syndromes. Genetic testing should be considered with adrenocortical carcinoma; carcinoid tumors; diffuse gastric cancer; fallopian tube/primary peritoneal cancer; leiomyosarcoma; medullary thyroid cancer; paraganglioma/pheochromocytoma; renal cell carcinoma of chromophobe, hybrid oncocytic, or oncocytoma histology; sebaceous carcinoma; and sex cord tumors with annular tubules. Primary care physicians can identify people who are at risk of heridatary cancer syndrome.

Examples

Although cancer syndromes exhibit an increased risk of cancer, the risk varies. For some of these diseases, cancer is not their primary feature. The discussion here focuses on their association with an increased risk of cancer. This list is far from exhaustive.

• Fanconi anemia
• Familial adenomatous polyposis
• Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer
• Hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer
• Hereditary paraganglioma-pheochromocytoma syndrome
• Li-Fraumeni syndrome
• MUTYH-associated polyposis
• Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome
• Von Hippel–Lindau disease
• Xeroderma pigmentosum

Genetic screening

Genetic testing can be used to identify mutated genes or chromosomes that are passed through generations. People who test positive for having a genetic mutation are not necessarily condemned to develop the cancer linked with the mutation, however they possess an increased risk of developing cancer in comparison to the general population. It is advised that people get a genetic test if their family medical history includes: Multiple family members with cancer, someone in their family that got cancer at a particularly young age or by being part of a certain ethnic group.

Preventive actions

Genetic testing is important as if a test comes out positive they are more aware of their own personal health and the health of immediate family members. With the help and advice from a medical professional they can take steps to reduce their elevated risk of cancer development through:

• Regular exercise
• A healthy, balanced diet
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Not smoking
• Staying safe under the sun’s harmful rays

Journal of Cancer Research and Immuno-Oncology is an open access rapid peer reviewed journal in the field of cancer research. Journal announces papers for the upcoming issue. Interested can submit their manuscript through online portal.

Submit manuscript at https://www.longdom.org/submissions/cancer-research-immuno-oncology.html or send as an e-mail attachment to the Editorial Office at immunooncology@emedscholar.com

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Journal of Cancer Research and Immuno-Oncology

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