Family cancer syndrome
Family Cancer Syndrome
Family cancer syndrome (pronunciation: /ˈfæmɪli ˈkænsər ˈsɪndroʊm/) is a genetic disorder where a mutation increases the risk of multiple types of cancer within a family.
Etymology
The term "Family cancer syndrome" is derived from the English words "family", "cancer", and "syndrome". "Family" (from Latin familia) refers to a group of individuals related by blood or marriage. "Cancer" (from Greek karkinos, meaning crab) is a term used to describe diseases characterized by abnormal cell growth. "Syndrome" (from Greek syndromē, meaning 'concurrence') refers to a group of symptoms that consistently occur together.
Definition
A Family cancer syndrome is a genetic condition that is passed down through generations of a family, where the risk of cancer is significantly higher than in the general population. These syndromes are caused by specific genetic mutations that can lead to various types of cancer.
Related Terms
- Genetic mutation: A permanent alteration in the DNA sequence that makes up a gene.
- Cancer: A group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells.
- Syndrome: A group of symptoms that consistently occur together or a condition characterized by a set of associated symptoms.
- Oncology: The study of cancer and treatment of cancer.
- Genetic predisposition: An increased likelihood of developing a particular disease based on a person's genetic makeup.
Examples
Some examples of family cancer syndromes include:
- Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome (HBOC): This syndrome is caused by mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes and increases the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
- Lynch Syndrome: Also known as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), this syndrome increases the risk of many types of cancer, including colon cancer and endometrial cancer.
- Li-Fraumeni Syndrome: This rare syndrome greatly increases the risk of developing several types of cancer, including breast cancer, brain tumors, and adrenal gland cancers.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Family cancer syndrome
- Wikipedia's article - Family cancer syndrome
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