Genetic factors play a crucial role in the risk of various cancers. Research indicates that hereditary cancer account for approximately 10% of all cancers, and these cancers often exhibit familial inheritance patterns[1] . Over 100 genes have been identified with genetic susceptibility, with the majority being cancer suppressor genes[2] . Hereditary cancers are mainly inherited through autosomal dominant inheritance, with a 50% probability of passing the pathogenic gene mutation from one generation to the next. Therefore, hereditary cancers often show a familial clustering pattern. Testing for hereditary cancer genes to determine if an individual carries relevant pathogenic mutations can help in selecting targeted treatment options for cancer patients and assessing the risk of developing other cancers. For high-risk populations, it is possible to assess cancer risk and develop feasible risk management strategies, achieving early screening, early detection, early intervention, and early treatment of cancers.
COMMON HEREDITARY CANCERS
Common hereditary cancers encompass various types of cancer, including breast cancer, ovarian cancer, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, thyroid carcinoma, kidney cancer, and prostate cancer. For instance, mutations in MMR genes can lead to Lynch syndrome, which is associated with hereditary colorectal cancer. Mutations in HRR genes are related to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome (HBOC), as well as hereditary prostate cancer. The NCCN guidelines mention the need for genetic risk assessment for breast cancer, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, and colorectal cancer, and there are corresponding risk assessment guidelines.