Radiation and Cancer

Abstract

To the Editor.— Regular examination of breasts in women previously exposed to radiation, as suggested by Stoffer et al (1981;245:462), is excellent advice. They failed, however, to note the other known risk factors in development of breast cancer. 1 The patient described, and her family, may still be at risk for cancer development. She may have one of several types of familial breast cancer syndromes 2 or, more important, could be a person afflicted with the family cancer syndrome (FCS). 3 The patient displayed a potential for thyroid tumor as well as the actual development of bilateral breast cancer. No mention is made of investigation into other potential tumors in this 28-year-old woman or in other family members. Family cancer syndrome, described by Lynch et al, 3 recognizes groupings of specific cancers found in excess within certain families. In these families the predisposition to cancer seems to be inherited in