This book examines the principles underlying genetic predisposition to cancer in order to familiarise practising oncologists, geneticists and other professionals interested in cancer with this new and expanding field. The coverage is comprehensive, taking the reader from an introduction to genetic predisposition, through a discussion of the molecular biology and statistical techniques involved in the detection and cloning of predisposition genes to a consideration of familial cancer syndromes, encompassing rare and common cancers. The text also includes a discussion of genetic screening and cancer management options, and a consideration of the associated ethical and psychological issues. To reflect the rapid advances in the field since its publication, the contents have been thoroughly updated with new chapters on the biological basis of cancer predisposition, population-based studies of susceptibility, Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome and evaluation of management strategies for individuals at increased cancer risk