At the SCC, in response to the coming age of next-generation genomic medicine, gene information has been collected from all the cancer patients who have taken surgeries there and the research studies have been conducted for clinical application of the information since January, 2014. The efforts were proven when the study team announced for the first time in Japan that about 1% of the whole cancer patients had genetic mutations for hereditary tumors. The announcement also proved the immediate needs for medical care for hereditary tumors. Moreover, it has been proved that learning about hereditary tumors would be quite useful for cancer prevention and early detection, and as a result, would influence on the choices of treatment and care methods. Therefore, at the SCC, clinical genetic specialists and certified genetic counselors have been providing medical care for outpatients since December, 2011. It has brought about the opening of the “Division of Clinical Cancer Genetics,” where not only the patients and their families at the SCC but everyone who wishes to take a counseling on cancer heredities or a genetic test can come in for the care. At this Division, cancer risks for the whole family including the visiting patient will be assessed, and accurate knowledge and advices for various fields will be given toward practicing “predictive medicine,” early detection and optimal treatment.
