Hereditary cancers in clinical practice

Hereditary tumour diseases constitute a significant portion of malignant illnesses. For some tumours, hereditary causes are rare, but for ovarian tumours, for example, hereditary causes can be identified in up to 20% of patients. There are more than 200 different tumour syndromes.

Today, with the development of molecular genetics, diagnosing a predisposition to tumours is important not only in oncology and medical genetics but also in many other fields of medicine. General practitioners, gynaecologists, paediatricians, gastroenterologists, surgeons, plastic surgeons, neurologists, dermatologists, ophthalmologists, and other specialists are also interested in testing their patients. In all these fields, it is necessary to know the diagnostic options, the risks of tumour predisposition, and the possibilities for preventative care.

The book focuses specifically on the practical aspects of deciding on genetic testing for cancer patients or their relatives, on providing orientation regarding the currently known risk factors of individual syndromes, and, above all, on how preventative monitoring can be carried out for high-risk individuals, where prevention is based both on regular specialised check-ups and on the primary prevention of tumours, including through prophylactic surgeries.

The most discussed topic in professional circles is hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome, which is diagnosed daily in dozens of patients and their relatives. Currently, in the Czech Republic, several thousand individuals are monitored for high risks. Other syndromes are rarer but also account for a significant percentage of common cancers, such as colourectal, uterine, and kidney tumours.

The book is intended for a wide medical audience, especially oncologists, gynaecologists, paediatricians, gastroenterologists, surgeons, dermatologists, and general practitioners.