General information for people with inherited ATM mutations

Both men and women can carry a mutation in the ATM gene.

People with an inherited mutation in ATM have increased risk for certain cancers. See our Cancer Risk  section for more information.  There are guidelines for screening and prevention for certain cancers in people with an ATM mutation. See our Risk Management section for more information about screening options in people with ATM mutations.

People with an ATM mutation who have been diagnosed with cancer may qualify for specific treatments or clinical trials. Visit our Cancer Treatment section for more information about treatment clinical trials for people with an ATM mutation.

A rare and serious childhood disease called Ataxia-Telangiesctasia (AT) can occur in children who inherit an ATM mutation from both their mother and their father.  See our Other Considerations section for more information about this disease.

The name ATM stands for "Ataxia-Telangiesctasia Mutated." The ATM gene is located on chromosome 11. ATM helps to control cell growth and repair damaged DNA.