Banishing biases to save lives: Introducing genetic testing for familial cancers

摘要

Malignant tumors are the second cause of death in Cuba and the first cause of years of potential life lost. Over the last 40 years, cancer mortality rates have multiplied by 5 for prostate, 4 for colon and 3.4 for breast.[1] In cancers whose responsible genetic mutation has been identified, predictive genetic studies can be key to early diagnosis and prevention for individuals and their families for generations to come. Such is the case for breast and colon cancers, for which laboratory tests can determine predisposition, anticipating cancers before symptoms appear.