Genetics and Cancer Risk

by American Cancer Society

This resource explains the links between genes and cancer. It discusses family cancer syndromes and how certain cancer types are inherited. It discusses certain family cancer syndromes, such as hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome (HBOC), Lynch syndrome, neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), NF2, familial GIST syndrome, and more. It also explains why genetic testing for cancer is important. Information on genetic testing to assess cancer risk is provided, as well as what happens during genetic testing and talking with family members about genetic testing.