Description:
A term used to describe mutations (changes) in certain genes that may increase a personās risk of some types of cancer. For example, a person who has certain mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene has higher than normal risks of developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Cancer predisposing gene mutations are usually inherited (passed from parent to child) and may be seen within families. Knowing if a person has a cancer predisposing gene mutation may help prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer. Not all people who have a cancer predisposing gene mutation will develop cancer. Also called cancer susceptibility gene mutation.
