Get notified of page updates

Study: How many children with cancer have mutations in genes that increase cancer risk?

Many genes are associated with increased cancer risk in adults, but it is unclear how common these mutations are in children with cancer. This study found that about 9% of children with cancer carry mutations in a gene that is known to increase cancer risk. Over half of the mutations were in the TP53 gene, which is associated with increased cancer risk at a young age and increased risk of breast cancer in adults. (12/15/2015)

Glossary on
off

Contents

At a glance In-depth
Findings     limitations            
Questions for your doctor Resources


STUDY AT A GLANCE

This study is about:

How often mutations in genes associated with risk occur in children with cancer.

Why is this study important?

Knowing if a child’s cancer is caused by an inherited gene mutation that is associated with increased cancer risk may help doctors and scientists understand the growth of their cancer, expand options to care for the patient, and assure access to genetic counseling for the children’s families.

Study findings: 

  1. About 9% of pediatric cancer patients had an in a gene associated with increased cancer risk.
  2. 40% of children with mutations in genes associated with increased cancer risk had a known family history of cancer.
  3. Most commonly, mutations found were in the gene, which is associated with increased risk of numerous cancers in children and adults, including breast cancer.

What does this mean for me?

Mutations in genes associated with increased cancer risk in adults are also found in children with cancer. If pediatric cancer occurs in your family, you may want to talk to your doctor about genetic testing.

Posted 12/15/15

References

Maris JM. “Defining Why Cancer Develops in Children.” New England Journal of Medicine. Published first online on November 18th, 2015.  

Zhang J, Walsh MF, Wu G, et al. “ Mutations in Predisposition Genes in Pediatric Cancer.” New England Journal of Medicine. Published first online on November 18th, 2015.   

Disclosure

FORCE receives funding from industry sponsors, including companies that manufacture cancer drugs, tests and devices. All XRAYS articles are written independently of any sponsor and are reviewed by members of our Scientific Advisory Board prior to publication to assure scientific integrity.

Questions To Ask Your Doctor

  • As the parent of a child with cancer, should we consider genetic testing?
  • I have a mutation in TP53; what type of screening should my family consider?
  • I carry a mutation in a gene that increases my risk of cancer; what does this mean for my child?
  • I'm an adult survivor of childhood cancer, should I have genetic testing? 

Find Experts

The following resources can help you locate a genetics expert near you or via telehealth.

Finding genetics experts

  • The National Society of Genetic Counselors website has a search tool for finding a genetic counselor by specialty and location or via telehealth. 
  • InformedDNA is a network of board-certified genetic counselors providing this service by telephone. They can also help you find a qualified expert in your area for face-to-face genetic counseling if that is your preference. 
  • Gene-Screen is a third-party genetic counseling group that can help educate, support and order testing for patients and their families. 
  • JScreen is a national program from Emory University that provides low-cost at-home genetic counseling and testing with financial assistance available.
  • Grey Genetics provides access to genetic counselors who offer genetic counseling by telephone. 
  • The Genetic Support Foundation offers genetic counseling with board-certified genetic counselors. 

Related experts

Genetics clinics

Other ways to find experts

Updated: 07/21/2023

Who covered this study?

NBC News

Gene scan finds surprising mutations in kids with cancer This article rates 4.5 out of 5 stars

Scientific American

Childhood cancer risk hides in families This article rates 4.0 out of 5 stars

TIME

Doctors find ‘crystal ball for childhood cancer’ in gene study This article rates 3.5 out of 5 stars

Huffington Post

Many children with cancer were born with genes that increase risk This article rates 3.5 out of 5 stars

How we rated the media