Cancer genetics and the surgeon – new frontiers

Cancer is a leading cause of death both globally and nationally. Recent advances in research have unraveled the molecular mechanisms responsible for many cancers. This has helped to transform the continuum of cancer care - from primary prevention, to screening and diagnosis, to treatment and follow-up using genetic information gathered by testing patients, their families, and the tumour tissue itself. New guidelines for risk assessment, genetic counseling, and planning of appropriate therapeutic and screening options based on the phenotypic and molecular characterization of cancers have now been developed. Such knowledge is vital not only for the treatment and follow up of patients but more importantly for screening of at risk family members with a hereditary predisposition to cancer. Awareness of their mutation status will allow such family members to make informed decisions regarding reproduction, lifestyle and clinical risk-reduction strategies to prevent future occurrence of cancer. At the national level adopting evidence-based strategies for early detection, counseling, improved surveillance and selection of effective therapeutic options will help to significantly reduce the mortality and morbidity associated with cancer in the country

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/sljs.v32i2.7350

The Sri Lanka Journal of Surgery 2014; 32(2): 12-19