The Impact of Presymptomatic Molecular Testing in Hereditary Cancers

Genetic factors are likely to be the primary determinants in around 5–10% of cancer patients. Over the last decade the identification of some of these cancer susceptibility genes has revolutionised our understanding of cancer in general. In addition, it has allowed us to improve our management of patients in those families with a genetic predisposition by offering presymptomatic testing and hence early intervention and treatment for the disease. This review will examine the major hereditary cancer syndromes and look at the tests currently available for their diagnosis. Molecular Changes Associated with the Development of Cancers