Cancer Prevention

This collection covers cancer prevention research: genetic risk testing for liver disease and cancer, the link between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and esophageal cancer, and medications such as tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors used to lower breast cancer risk.

Recurring questions include: Is genetic testing worthwhile for someone with a family history of a specific cancer, and what would a positive result actually change about their care? Does treating reflux disease with surgery or medication actually lower the risk of esophageal cancer, or only ease the symptoms? Are breast cancer prevention medications, such as tamoxifen, appropriate given a particular personal and family history? How should someone interpret a rare genetic finding, such as a heterozygous mutation, that turns up on a test?

Prevention decisions depend heavily on an individual's specific risk factors, and guidance can differ between specialists and between countries. An independent panel of academic experts can weigh a person's actual genetic and clinical picture rather than apply a general rule to every case, taking family history and personal circumstances into account.

For an independent opinion on a cancer-prevention question, see the medical second opinion page.