Many cancers, both common and rare, are known to have a hereditary predisposition and advances in genetics have clarified the risks and in some cases the mechanisms of cancer developing in an individual. First published in 1998, this important contribution to the literature of cancer genetics covers all the key issues, reviewing both the technology behind genetic risk assessment and the ethical dilemmas it poses. It is divided into two parts. The first deals with ethical, legal and social issues. The second systematically outlines current knowledge of the inheritance patterns of many different cancer types, both from a site-by-site perspective and for special groups. This authoritative volume will be of interest to oncologists, physicians and surgeons in other specialities and to health professionals in the areas of primary care, counselling and cancer risk assessment.