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Clinical Research Updates
Clinical Research Updates
Research and clinical findings

Over the past decade, scientists have discovered specific inherited factors, or genes, that can contribute to the development of some forms of breast, ovarian, colorectal, and other types of cancer. The Clinical Genetics Service at Memorial Sloan-Kettering offers hereditary cancer risk assessment, genetic counseling, and genetic testing by specially trained genetic counselors and physicians to people who are concerned about their personal and/or family history of cancer. This information may be helpful when making medical decisions about how to manage your risk for cancer.

CancerSmart Web Cast
CancerSmart Web Cast
Our experts -- Kenneth Offit and Karen Hurley -- discuss the issues surrounding genetics and cancer

Here you will find an overview of hereditary cancer and genetic counseling and testing information; questions and answers about hereditary cancers, including breast/ovarian, colon, and prostate; recent research findings; information about Memorial Sloan-Kettering's Clinical Genetics Service and its staff; as well as an update on federal legislation against genetic discrimination.

  • Overview
    An introduction to hereditary cancer, genetic counseling, and genetic testing.
  • Breast/Ovarian Cancer: BRCA1 & BRCA2
    It has been estimated that about 5 to 10 percent of all female breast and ovarian cancer cases are hereditary.
  • Colon Cancer & Heredity
    Though most cases occur sporadically, it is estimated that 5 to 10 percent of all colorectal cancers are explained by a specific genetic susceptibility.
  • Prostate Cancer & Heredity
    Family history is the strongest risk factor for prostate cancer. A man with one close relative (such as a father OR brother) with prostate cancer has twice the risk of developing prostate cancer as a man with no family history.
  • Clinical Research Updates
    Recent research and clinical findings include new genetic tests available for hereditary colon cancer; new recommendations for breast cancer screening for women with BRCA mutations; and research updates in the genetics of breast, ovarian, colon cancers, and lymphomas.
  • Genetic Discrimination Legislation Information
    A listing of the latest information about the US Congress and its efforts to legislate against genetic discrimination.
  • Clinical Genetics at Memorial Sloan-Kettering
    The Clinical Genetics Service at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center offers hereditary cancer risk assessment, genetic counseling, and genetic testing by specially trained genetic counselors and physicians to people who are concerned about their personal and/or family history of cancer.
  • Our Clinical Trials
    Here you can find a continually updated listing of Memorial Sloan-Kettering's current clinical trials focusing on the study of hereditary cancers.

Last Updated: Jul. 11, 2006
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