Genetics Clinical Resource Area - Disease Specific

Breast Cancer
Developments in our understanding of the role of genes in the development of breast cancer have opened new doors to the detection and treatment of patients. The public's awareness of these advancements requires that clinicians have a firm grasp of the concepts behind genetic testing and susceptibility. The following links provide information specific to breast cancer.

Colorectal Cancer
Genetic predisposition to colorectal cancer has been established for some time. Several resources are available to provide additional understanding of the evidence and determine individual risk.

Melanoma
Although genes have been associated with increased risk of developing melanoma, only 10% of melanomas are considered familial, and much more research must be done to understand the connection between these genes and risk of developing the disease. The following resources are helpful in further understanding this complex relationship.

Ovarian Cancer
A woman’s lifetime chance of developing ovarian cancer is greatly increased if she inherits an altered BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene.

Prostate Cancer
Research has supported a strong link between family history and prostate cancer; age and race also have been associated with predisposition. However, much remains to be determined about the role that genes play. These sites provide additional insight into this common cancer diagnosis.

Thyroid Cancer
Heredity is one of many suggested risk factors for thyroid cancer, although the exact cause is unknown. Medullary thyroid cancer has been linked to alterations in the RET gene, which can be passed on to children, increasing their susceptibility. In papillary thyroid cancer, a connection has been found between family history of noncancerous conditions such as goiters and precancerous colon polyps. The following resources will help to further your understanding of the role of genes in development of thyroid cancer.