What is Cancer syndrome or Family cancer syndrome?

                                     A Concise Review.

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.       

     There are many family cancer syndromes.

     For HNPCC, FAP and hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, the data available so far demonstrate that the existing early detection programs provide benefits for mutation carriers.

       It is therefore important to identify these persons at an early stage and enrol them in an appropriate screening program.       

     This task devolves mainly upon primary care physicians.

      For further management, it is advisable to refer patients to a specialized centre experienced in these relatively uncommon clinical entities.

​     An attempt has been made in this E-Booklet to discuss some of the syndromes briefly as examples along with plenty of illustrations and a table but this is not a full list.

Dr. H. K. Saboowala.

             M.B.(Bom) M.R.S.H.(London)