The present invention relates to antibodies that immunospecifically bind to FAS and certain FAS related proteins. The invention encompasses human and humanized forms of the antibodies and their use in treating cancers and other proliferative disorders. The invention also relates to FAS-derived peptides useful for preparing the antibodies. Methods and compositions for detecting, diagnosing, treating or ameliorating a disease or disorder, especially cancer and other proliferative disorders using the present antibodies also are disclosed.