Cancer Susceptibility Genes
We suspect that a family may have inherited a mutation in a cancer susceptibility gene when we see one or more of the following:
- Several people in the family with similar or related cancers
- Cancer affecting more than one generation on the same side of the family
- Cancer that starts at an earlier age than average (often in the 30s or 40s)
- Individuals who have had more than one type of cancer (for example, both breast and ovarian cancer, or cancer in both breasts)
Cancer susceptibility genes have been identified for many different types of cancer, including:
- Breast
- Ovarian
- Colon
- Uterine
- Kidney
- Medullary thyroid
It is very important to know if you have a cancer susceptibility gene. Knowledge is power. By knowing you have an increased chance of getting cancer, you and your relatives can access the cancer screening tests and other options (such as surgery, medication or lifestyle changes) aimed at early detection and even prevention.
Knowledge is power. Identifying families with an inherited risk for cancer can save lives.
Learn more about how cancer risk can run in families by viewing these videos. En Español aquí.