Hereditary familial cancer

Hereditary cancer syndromes are discussed often, not because they are common but because they drastically increase the chance of disease.

The mutations behind these syndromes tend to be known – for example most hereditary breast cancers are caused by changes in the BRCA genes (BRCA1 and BRCA2) – and, as result, these cancers can be identified with a genetic test.

When a woman is born with a mutation associated with a hereditary breast cancer syndrome, she is called “a carrier” (of the mutation). As result, she will need to be closely watched with regular exams for earlydetection of the disease.

This means, for example, to regularly have screening mammograms or/and magnetic resonances (MRI) starting at earlier age, or even to discuss prophylactic measures that can reduce the disease risk.

Learn more about the  genetic clinic/genetic service  that supports families suspected with having hereditary breast cancer.

In the section on Biology of cancer learn more about hereditary cancer.

Hereditary cancer is rare; it comprises only 5-10% of all diagnoses of breast cancer