Familial association of carcinoma of the breast and ovary

Carcinomas of the breast and ovary were observed in 3 generations of women in 2 families. These findings, coupled with observations from a normal population and from the literature, suggest a new familial cancer association, showing a proclivity to carcinoma of the breast and ovary. Such families could be used profitably for studies of carcinogenesis; in addition, attention should be given toward improving their lot through earlier diagnosis of cancer because of the known familial risk. Additional studies will be necessary to evaluate more fully the suspected familial association of carcinoma of the breat and ovary, it mode of transmission, and frequency in the population.