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.
If you are a person with an ATM mutation, you can find peer support through the following resources:
- FORCE blog: Read stories submitted by people with ATM mutations
- Video: FORCE members from the ATM community
- FORCE's Peer Navigation Program will match you with a volunteer who shares your mutation and situation and provide you with a free resource guide.
- Register for the FORCE Message Boards to connect with others who share your situation. Once you register, you can post on the Share Your Mutation board to connect with other people who carry an ATM mutation and the Diagnosed With Cancer board to connect with other people who have been diagnosed.
- Contact the FORCE impact leaders in your area to link to local support groups and other resources.
- Attend a virtual support meeting in your area.
- FORCE eXaming the Relevance of Articles for You (XRAY) program: XRAY reviews with information on ATM mutations
- FORCE blog: Stories from people with ATM mutations
- Genetics Home Reference is a site from the U.S. Library of Medicine that provides consumer-friendly information about the effects of an ATM mutation on human health.