Broadcast — Mini-Med - Cancer Genetics: Genes and Dreams

Genetics is the study of how an individual’s personal and family medical histories may increase their risk for certain diseases. Some of the genes we inherit from our parents carry mutations that might put a person at higher risk for cancer. Genetic tests are now available to find out who is at risk for certain cancers.

To help understand cancer genetics and the role of genetic testing in health care, the lecture will focus on one example: the genetic causes of breast and ovarian cancers due to the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.