familial cancer

Definition / meaning of familial cancer

Cancer that occurs in families more often than would be expected by chance. These cancers often occur at an early age, and may indicate the presence of a gene mutation that increases the risk of cancer. They may also be a sign of shared environmental or lifestyle factors.

Listed under:

Find More About 'familial cancer'

Source(s):

The Web site of the National Cancer Institute (http://www.cancer.gov/)

Leave a Comment