I have several relatives who have had cancer. Am I a candidate for the Cancer Genetics Network? How can this group help me?

The Cancer Genetics Network (CGN) is looking for people with a personal or family history of cancer who may be interested in being part of research studies about the inherited tendency to develop cancer. Nearly 8,500 people have enrolled in this unusual program.

Eight U.S. medical centers established the national Network three years ago with funding from the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Network researchers want to use the tremendous new knowledge about genetics gained through research over the last decade to improve prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer in people.

Some Network projects underway or scheduled to begin soon will:

• Test the value of screening for ovarian cancer among women at high risk for the disease.
• Collect and study samples of blood and other body fluids from families in which the men tend to develop prostate cancer at an early age.
• Study genetic and environmental factors that may affect the risk for breast or ovarian cancer among women who have certain versions of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Alterations in these genes have been linked to the development of breast cancer.

All Network centers are enrolling participants and are especially interested in recruiting minorities. Personal and family medical information provided by participants is entered into a central database, where it is kept confidential. It is not necessary to live near a center in order to join the Network. Much of the contact can be made by telephone, mail, or e-mail.

For more information on the Network, call the Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER or visit the NCI site.

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