The Familial Cancer Program of the Vermont Cancer Center: Development of a Cancer Genetics Program in a Rural Area.

In response to many scientific discoveries linking cancer in certain families to inherited factors, the Vermont Cancer Center established the Familial Cancer Program (FCP) in December 1993. This multifaceted program combines the expertise of clinicians and researchers in many disciplines, including genetics, oncology, psychology, and molecular biology. The program's goals are identification of families in its region with excess cancer, provision of clinical services to such families, and use of research protocols when available and appropriate. This article describes the experience of setting up a familial cancer program in a rural area and discusses both successes and challenges in such an endeavor.