Since mutations in specific genes were linked
to the heritable component of some cancer
predispositions, genetic testing for cancer
susceptibility has played an increasingly critical
role in the medical and surgical management of
identified mutation carriers and their families
(American Society of Clinical Oncology 2003,
Guillem et al 2008). As a result of this ‘genetic
cancer risk assessment’, quantification of personal
and family risk has become possible, and mutation
carriers in affected families are able to choose
among potential risk-reduction interventions.