In the present study, the expression of the fragile site genes, FHIT and p53, which are associated with chromosomal stability, were analysed in excised oesophageal cancer tissue specimens, as well as the DNA damage repair genes, BRCA2 and MLH1. The association between these genes and the family history of cancer was also determined. The gene discussed is TP53; the disease is carcinoma of esophagus.