Background: Some people may be prone to develop cancer for many reasons. Factors that affect their risk include the genes they inherit and the environment they live and work in. Researchers want to learn more about the natural history of cancer. Objective: To understand how genes and environmental factors can cause tumors and related conditions. Eligibility: People of any age who: Have tumors of an unusual type, pattern, or number Have a family member with a history of cancer Have been exposed to other factors that may increase their risk of cancer Design: This study does not involve treatment. Participants will answer questions about their personal and family medical history. They will give permission for researchers to see their medical records. Participants may be invited to the NIH Clinical Center for a physical exam. They may give samples including saliva, cheek cells, blood, urine, skin, and/or hair. Participants with cancer may give bone marrow. A needle will be used to remove a small sample of bone marrow from their hip bone. Participants may have a biopsy of their tumor. Participants may have other exams: Dental Ear, nose, and throat Eye Hearing Heart function and structure Participants with cancer may undergo more exams: A test of how much energy their body uses when resting A sleep study with a test that measures brain electrical activity. They will have sensors attached to their body while they sleep overnight in a lab. Imaging scans, such as CT, MRI, a test to measure how dense their bones are (DEXA), and ultrasound. Participants will have their genes tested. A counsellor will help them understand the results. Participants will be followed until at least 2035.
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Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Defining the natural history of familial cancers and susceptibility states over multiple generations, identifying cancer susceptibility genes, and assessing gene-environment and gene-gene interactions
Timeframe: Ongoing
NCI Family Study Referrals