Rare mutations in PALB2, CHEK2, and ATM: how much do they increase cancer risk?
https://www.facingourrisk.org/XRAY/rare-mutations-and-cancer-risk
Full article: http://jmg.bmj.com/content/early/2016/09/02/jmedgenet-2016-103839.short?rss=1
As multi-gene panel tests become more common, people are discovering they have mutations in genes that are not understood as well as BRCA. This can make it difficult to give patients accurate assessments of their cancer risk. For example, mutations in PALB2, CHEK2, and ATM are rare, but some specific changes in these genes are even less common. The goal of this international collaboration was to better understand the cancer risks of some very rare PALB2, CHEK2, and ATM mutations. The findings are relevant only to the specific mutations covered in this paper and do not apply to all people with mutations in PALB2, CHEK2, or ATM. (9/27/16)
Questions To Ask Your Health Care Provider
- I was diagnosed with breast cancer before age of 45; should I consider genetic testing?
- I tested negative for mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2, despite being diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 45; should I consider additional genetic testing?
- Members of my family have a mutation in PALB2, CHEK2, or ATM; should I consider genetic testing?
- I tested positive for a mutation in a gene for which cancer risk is not well understood; how can I be sure I get new information on my cancer risk as more research is completed?
- Can you refer me to a genetics expert?
About FORCE
FORCE is a national nonprofit organization, established in 1999. Our mission is to improve the lives of individuals and families affected by adult hereditary cancers.