Genetic Predisposition to Cancer

Over the last 20 years it has become increasingly apparent that the occurrence of many cancers can have an inherited basis. This book examines the principles underlying genetic predisposition to cancer and will be relevant to practising oncologists, geneticists and other professionals interested in this rapidly expanding field. Coverage is comprehensive, taking the reader from an introduction to genetic predisposition, through a discussion of the molecular biology and statistical techniques involved in the identification and characterisation of predisposition genes, to a consideration of heritable cancer syndromes, and encompasses both rare and common cancers. The text also features a discussion of cancer risk assessment, genetic counselling issues, genetic screening and cancer management options, and a consideration of the associated ethical and psychological issues.



Building on the reputation of the previous edition, and to reflect the rapid advances in the field since its publication, the contents of the second edition have been thoroughly updated and include discussion of many newly identified cancer genes. In particular, the book features new chapters added on the biological basis of cancer predisposition, population-based studies of susceptibility, and evaluation of management strategies for individuals at increased cancer risk.

Rosalind A. Eeles is Clinical Senior Lecturer and Honorary Consultant in Cancer Genetics and Clinical Oncology; Team Leader, Translation Cancer Genetics Team, Institute of Cancer Research; and Head, Cancer Genetics Unit, Royal Marsden NHS Trust, Sutton, UK
Douglas F. Easton is Director, Cancer Research UK Genetic Epidemiology Unit, Strangeways Research Laboratory, Cambridge, UK
Bruce A. J. Ponder is Cancer Research UK Professor of Oncology; Director, Cancer Research UK Human Genetics Research Group; and Co-Director, Hutchison-MRC Research Centre and Strangeways Laboratory for Genetic Epidemiology, University of Cambridge, UK
Charis Eng is Dorothy E. Klotz Chair of Cancer Research; William C. and Joan E. Davis Professor of Cancer Research; Professor & Director, Division of Human Genetics, Department of Internal Medicine; and Director, Clinical Cancer Genetics Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA