What is the Northwest Cancer Genetics Network Registry?
The Northwest Cancer Genetics Network (NWCGN) Registry, funded by the National Cancer Institute, is a resource to help researchers answer important questions about inherited risks for cancer.
Currently, no new participants are being recruited, but follow-up information is being collected from previously-recruited participants at all levels of risk from across the Northwest. This information is combined with information from other centers to build a national registry that scientists are able to use for research on cancer.
Who are the participants?
We are collecting information from people who are at various levels of risk for developing cancer -- from very low to very high -- to better understand why cancer happens.
The specific groups included:
- People who have developed cancer and their close relatives.
- People who are concerned about developing cancer.
- People from the general population who have no known risk factors for developing cancer.
The volunteer participants are at the core of this network. The quality of the research depends on having as many individuals as possible participate in our follow-up surveys. By being a part of the Northwest Cancer Genetics Network, participants will be an important partner in the battle against cancer.
Keeping information confidential is an essential part of the registry. Participation in the registry and any personal information provided remains strictly confidential as required by law and our research protocols.
What are some of the questions that the NWCGN is trying to address?
Scientists are using the NWCGN to answer questions about cancer and genetics. Examples of questions that researchers want to sutdy include:
- How common are the inherited genetic changes that cause cancer?
- Why do some people with inherited genetic changes develop cancer and others do not?
- How does a person's lifestyle interact with these genetic changes to cause or prevent cancer?
- How can we use our new knowledge to help prevent cancer?
- How can we improve cancer treatments?
- How can people cope better with cancer and cancer risk?