Inherited Forms of Colorectal, Breast, and Ovarian Cancer: Guidelines for Surveillance

Abstract

Approximately 5% to 10% of common cancers such as colorectal, breast, and ovarian appear to have a genetic etiology. Identification of families with an inherited form of cancer is important because periodic screening of close relatives of patients may prevent disease and death from cancer. Thus, clinicians can contribute to the goal of reducing cancer mortality by recording the family history of every patient. This article reviews the clinical characteristics of the inherited forms of common cancers and their implications for surveillance protocols.