This PDQ cancer information summary for health professionals provides a framework for understanding the genetic basis of hereditary cancer. This summary is reviewed regularly and updated as necessary by the PDQ Cancer Genetics Editorial Board ¹.

Information about the following is included in this summary:

• The features of hereditary cancer.
• The genetic counseling process.
• An extensive list of genetics resources available online.

The PDQ Cancer Genetics summaries contain level-of-evidence designations. These designations are intended to help readers assess the strength of the evidence in relation to specific studies or strategies. A description of how the level of evidence ² designations are made is described in detail in this summary.

This summary does not provide formal guidelines or recommendations for making health care decisions. Information in this summary should not be used as a basis for reimbursement determinations.