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.

This is the second edition of a widely used textbook that consolidates the basic concepts of the cancer gene theory and provides a framework for understanding the genetic basis of cancer. Particular attention is devoted to the origins of the mutations that cause cancer, and the application of evolutionary theory to explain how the cell clones that harbor cancer genes tend to expand. Focused on the altered genes and pathways that cause the growth of the most common tumors, Principles of Cancer Genetics is aimed at advanced undergraduates who have completed introductory coursework in genetics, biology and biochemistry, medical students and medical house staff. For students with a general interest in cancer, this book provides a highly accessible and readable overview. For more advanced students contemplating future study in the field of oncology and cancer research, this concise book will be useful as a primer.

Get a quick, expert overview of the many key facets of pediatric cancer genetics with this concise, practical resource by Dr. Nathaniel H. Robin and Meagan Farmer, MS, CGC, MBA. Ideal for pediatric oncologists and all providers who care for children, this easy-to-read reference addresses the remarkable potential of genetic testing as well as the complexities of choosing the correct test, understanding the results, and counseling the family. - Features a wealth of information on pediatric cancer genetics, including the epidemiology and biology of cancer and the genetic evaluation process and role of genetic counsellors - Highlights examples of syndromes that present in childhood and increase susceptibility to cancer - Discusses the genetic evaluation process in context of the multidisciplinary care of children with cancer - Considers the ethical and legal issues of genetic testing in children and provides illustrative case examples - Consolidates today's available information and guidance in this timely area into one convenient resource - Features a wealth of information on pediatric cancer genetics, including the epidemiology and biology of cancer and the genetic evaluation process and role of genetic counselors. - Highlights examples of syndromes that present in childhood and increase susceptibility to cancer. - Discusses the genetic evaluation process in context of the multidisciplinary care of children with cancer. - Considers the ethical and legal issues of genetic testing in children and provides illustrative case examples. - Consolidates today's available information and guidance in this timely area into one convenient resource.

"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"--

Since the first volume was published, there has been significant success in isolating genes responsible for particular cancers as well as a major improvement in our understanding of the molecular events leading to tumors. This book explores possible genetic treatments that can suppress cancer cells that have formed tumors and it presents the details of the isolation and characterization of new human cancer genes that have recently been identified. Molecular Genetics of Cancer, 2E is an essential book for anyone involved in cancer research and the search for a cure.

The ultimate guide to caring for and communicating with patients suffering with hereditary cancer syndromes Providing the essential tools needed to understand clinical cancer genetics, Cancer Genetics: A Clinical Approach builds your mastery of differential diagnosis formulation, all the available genetic testing options at your disposal, interpreting results logically and accurately, and educating patients and their families about effective cancer prevention methods. This unparalleled resource walks you through the process of effectively and thoughtfully counseling patients—from pre-test counseling and relaying test results to navigating the legal implications of hereditary conditions and coping with the resulting psychological challenges. Cancer Genetics: A Clinical Approach is ideal for both specialized cancer genetics clinics or any healthcare professional seeking to improve their skills in identifying patients with possible hereditary cancer syndromes and recognizing which ones should be referred to a high-risk/clinical genetics specialty program.

This textbook combines essential information on clinical cancer medicine with a guide to the latest advances in molecular oncology and tumor biology. Providing a systematic overview of all types of solid tumors, including epidemiology and cancer prevention, genetic aspects of hereditary cancers, differential diagnosis, typical signs and symptoms, diagnostic strategies and staging, and treatment modalities, it also discusses new and innovative cancer treatments, particularly targeted therapy and immunotherapy. Expert commentaries at the end of each chapter highlight key points, offer insights, suggest further reading and discuss clinical application using case descriptions. This textbook is an invaluable, practice-oriented tool for medical students just beginning their clinical oncology studies, as well as for medical oncology residents and young professionals.

The onset of cancer presents one of the most fundamental problems in modern biology. In Dynamics of Cancer, Steven Frank produces the first comprehensive analysis of how particular genetic and environmental causes influence the age of onset. The book provides a unique conceptual and historical framework for understanding the causes of cancer and other diseases that increase with age. Using a novel quantitative framework of reliability and multistage breakdown, Frank unifies molecular, demographic, and evolutionary levels of analysis. He interprets a wide variety of observations on the age of cancer onset, the genetic and environmental causes of disease, and the organization of tissues with regard to stem cell biology and somatic mutation. Frank uses new quantitative methods to tackle some of the classic problems in cancer biology and aging: how the rate of increase in the incidence of lung cancer declines after individuals quit smoking, the distinction between the dosage of a chemical carcinogen and the time of exposure, and the role of inherited genetic variation in familial patterns of cancer. This is the only book that presents a full analysis of the age of cancer onset. It is a superb teaching tool and a rich source of ideas for new and experienced researchers. For cancer biologists, population geneticists, evolutionary biologists, and demographers interested in aging, this book provides new insight into disease progression, the inheritance of predisposition to disease, and the evolutionary processes that have shaped organismal design.

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.