General information for people with inherited PALB2 mutations
Both men and women can carry a mutation in the PALB2 gene.
People with an inherited mutation in PALB2 have an increased risk for certain cancers. See the Cancer Risk section for more information. There are guidelines for screening and prevention for certain cancers in people with a PALB2 mutation. There also may be clinical trials available for people who test positive for a PALB2 mutation. See our Risk Management section for more information about screening options in people with PALB2 mutations.
People diagnosed with a PALB2 mutation who have been diagnosed with cancer may qualify for specific treatment or clinical trials. Visit the Cancer Treatment section for more information about clinical trials for people with a PALB2 mutation.
Inheriting a PALB2 mutation from both parents can cause Fanconi anemia. See our Other Considerations section for more information about this disorder.
The name PALB2 stands for "Partner and Localizer of BRCA2." The gene is located on chromosome 16. PALB2 works together with BRCA2 to repair damaged DNA.
If you are a person with a PALB2 mutation, you can find peer support through the following resources:
- FORCE blog: Read stories submitted by people with PALB2 mutations
- Video: FORCE members with a PALB2 mutation
- 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 a PALB2 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's eXaming the Relevance of Articles for You (XRAY) program looks behind the headlines of cancer news to help you understand what the research means for you.
- Genetics Home Reference is a site from the U.S. Library of Medicine that provides consumer-friendly information about the effects of an PALB2 mutation on human health.