Some cancers run in families. These panels test for inherited mutations, like BRCA1 and BRCA2, that may increase risk.
Most cancers are not inherited, but about 5–10% are linked to genetic changes that run in families.
Hereditary cancer testing, sometimes called CGx testing, looks for inherited mutations in specific genes that may raise the risk of developing certain cancers. The most well-known examples are BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, which can increase the risk for breast, ovarian, and prostate cancers.
Knowing whether you carry one of these inherited mutations does not mean you will develop cancer, but it can help guide more proactive screening, prevention, and care planning. Cancer panels may look for variants tied to:
Testing can be especially valuable if you have multiple relatives who have had cancer, if cancers in your family developed at a younger age than typical, or if you belong to a population with higher prevalence of certain gene mutations. The results can help you and your doctor decide on next steps, like additional screenings, referrals, or preventive measures.
Breast cancer risk can be influenced by inherited mutations. Panels may test for BRCA1, BRCA2, and other related genes such as PALB2, which are linked to hereditary breast cancer.
While most cervical cancers are linked to HPV infection, inherited changes can also play a role. Panels may examine genes like TP53 or mismatch repair genes that contribute to how cells grow and repair themselves.
Colorectal cancer can sometimes be linked to hereditary syndromes. Panels may look for mutations in genes such as MLH1, MSH2, and APC, which are associated with Lynch syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).
Most lung cancers are caused by environmental factors like smoking, but some cases have genetic components. Panels may include genes such as EGFR or ALK, which are sometimes inherited and may affect cancer risk.
Inherited mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 also increase ovarian cancer risk. Testing panels may also examine genes like RAD51C and RAD51D, which have been linked to hereditary ovarian cancer.
Some cases of pancreatic cancer are hereditary. Panels may test for variants in BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2, or CDKN2A, which can be associated with familial pancreatic cancer.
Sarcomas are rare cancers that can develop in bones or soft tissue. Inherited conditions such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome, caused by TP53 mutations, can be detected through genetic panels.
Uterine cancer can sometimes be hereditary, especially when linked to Lynch syndrome. Testing may include mutations in mismatch repair genes like MLH1, MSH2, and MSH6.
Testing is one piece of your care journey. We’ll connect you with labs that provide hereditary cancer panels, so you and your doctor can take proactive steps together.
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