RAD51C Gene Mutations
Frequently Asked Questions about Inherited Mutations
Below are some of the questions people ask about the gene and genetic testing. If you have already tested positive for a mutation, you can read more detailed information about risk, risk-management and treatment options in the quick links above.
What is ?
is a gene that helps repair damage to your . People who are born with changes—called mutations—in the gene have an increased risk for certain types of cancer.
What are the cancer risks for people with a mutation?
Mutations in the gene have been linked to an increased risk for breast, and ovarian cancer. Researchers are studying whether these mutations increase the risk for other cancers.
Can men have a mutation?
Men and women can carry a mutation. mutations can be passed down from fathers or mothers to their sons and daughters.
Can skip a generation?
is a gene. Genes do not skip generations.
Mutations in the gene may be passed down from parents to children, but mutations do not skip generations either. Each person with a mutation has a 50% chance of passing their mutation on to each of their children. Children who did not inherit their parent's mutation cannot pass the mutation to their children.
Cancer can skip generations.
Some people with a mutation never develop cancer. They can still pass their mutation on to their children. A child who inherits their parent's mutation will be at increased risk for cancer. If a parent with a mutation never develops cancer, but their child who inherited their mutation develops cancer, it can appear as though the mutation has skipped a generation.
What can people do if they have a mutation?
If you test positive for a mutation, you have options for screening, prevention and treatment of . There are expert guidelines and clinical trials that focus on:
These guidelines are based on the most current research and updated yearly. People who test positive for a mutation should speak with a genetics expert to make sure that their medical care is based on the most up-to-date information.
If you test positive for a mutation, you should inform your close blood relatives (first-, second-, and third-degree relatives) about your test results and encourage them to speak with a genetics expert.
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Information for People with Mutations
Cancer Risks
Cancer risk estimates are updated based on the latest research. Read about the lifetime risk for cancer in people with inherited RAD51C mutations.
Screening & Prevention
Read about the latest expert guidelines for cancer screening and prevention for people with a RAD51C mutation. Learn about research studies enrolling high-risk patients.
Cancer Treatment
Tumor biomarker testing and genetic testing can provide additional clues about which treatments may work best for your cancer. People who test positive for a RAD51C mutation may have additional treatment or clinical trial options available to them.
Other Considerations
People who inherit a mutation in both copies of their RAD51C gene—one from each parent—have a rare disease known as Fanconi anemia. Learn additional information about inherited RAD51C mutations.