The Clustering of many diseases has been observed since medicine evolved from magic and superstition; cancer is no exception. Population groups and, of course, families share environmental influences, genes, and chance interactions thereof. Increased or decreased incidence of cancer, once it is well documented in families, indicates susceptibility; when and if correctly recognized, it may inform individuals of their cancer risk ? and possible preventive measures. The epidemiology of malignant disease remains a fascinating topic, fraught with traps and pitfalls; ranging from unknown illegitimacy, birthrates too low to yield statistical data, lack of final diagnosis from autopsy to ignorance of the cause of death in more distant relatives ? the creation of a valid family tree can be a tough proposition, but a very useful one.
Go to Previous Page
Go to Next Page