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Cancer risk
Familial cancer
About 1 in 10 people with cancer have inherited a tendency to develop cancer. Some cancers develop because of a faulty gene (mutation) inherited from one or both parents.
Who is at risk of familial cancer?
If you can identify these features in your patients, they may be at increased risk of developing a familial cancer:
 having cancer at an unusually young age having cancer more than once having many close relatives (blood relatives, not in-laws) diagnosed with cancer.Where do I refer my at risk patients?
The SA Familial Cancer Service provides genetic counselling and testing of individuals and families at increased genetic risk of developing cancer. Address referral letters to:
Dr Graeme Suthers
Familial Cancer Unit SA Clinical Genetics Service
Women's and Children's Hospital
72 King William Rd
North Adelaide SA 5006
Find out more
Cancer Genetics Gazette - newsletter for specialist clinicians
Relevant articles
Reid G. 2006. Chronic disease prevention in general practice: applying the family history. AFP 35(11):879-885.
Familial cancer resources for clinicians and patients from The Cancer Council South Australia
Websites
South Australian Familial Cancer Service - genetic counselling and testing service in South Australia
National Breast Cancer Centre (Aust) - information about breast and ovarian cancer, family history and research
Centre for Genetics Education (Aust) - information for individuals and family members affected by genetic conditions, how to draw a family health tree, and a description of genes, mutation and inheritance.
National Human Genome Research Institute (USA) - see particularly the Glossary of genetic terms
Human Genetics Advisory Committee (HGAC) - monitors genetic technology developments in Australia and the implications for people with risks/family histories of inherited disorders like familial cancers
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