6-4-2022

How to identify families with tumour risk syndromes

Prof. Stefan Aretz is deputy head at the Institute of Human Genetics, University of Bonn, Germany. He is professor of genetics of familial tumour syndromes.

Genetic tumour risk syndromes (genturis) - also designated as hereditary tumour syndromes, tumour predisposition syndromes, or cancer susceptibility syndromes - are a heterogeneous group of monogenic conditions characterized by a very high lifetime risk for a syndrome-specific spectrum of early-onset neoplasias. Most genturis are rare, however, altogether they represent a substantial health problem. The correct diagnosis is crucial to identify persons at risk and to offer appropriate medical care. Established intense surveillance programs for genturis are one of the most successful examples of individualized medicine and preventive oncology. However, in reality, the majority of genturis families is not yet uncovered. The webinar will describe general and easy to remember key symptoms, different gates of entry, and strategies to identify these high-risk individuals.