Learn about gene changes called mutations, how inherited mutations can lead to cancer, what types of cancer may be hereditary and how parents can pass gene mutations to their children.
Signs of an inherited mutation linked to cancer risk
If you or a relative have been diagnosed with cancer, it may due to an inherited mutation. Signs of an inherited mutation or hereditary cancer include the following:
You have a blood relative who has tested positive for an inherited gene mutation linked to cancer. |
OR
You or any of your family members have had:
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OR
More than one family member on the same side of your family has had a combination of the following cancers:
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This list is not comprehensive; other cancers may be hereditary too. If you would like to learn if the cancer in your family is hereditary, it is important to consult with a genetics expert.
- Both men and women can carry an inherited mutation linked to cancer.
- You don't need a large family history of cancer to have an inherited mutation linked to cancer. There are situations where a single case of cancer in a family is enough to prompt a referral to an expert known as a genetic counselor. Visit our section on Testing Guidelines for information on genetic testing listed by cancer type.
Last updated June 30, 2020