Cancer Treatment

Scientists have long known that the risk of some cancers increases for people with close relatives who also have the disease. This increased risk occurs because some types of genetic damage involved in cancer can be passed from parents to children. But most cancers require multiple injuries to DNA. Inherited damage to one gene thus raises risk but does not guarantee that any particular individual will develop cancer. Scientists have identified the inheritable genetic damage involved in certain forms of breast, colon, and other cancers. Researchers are working to learn much more about inherited cancer genetics. They hope their knowledge will lead to new strategies for preventing and treating cancer.