Understanding Hereditary Cancer Risk: The GeneCancer™ 108-Gene Panel Explained
What Is Hereditary Cancer?
Hereditary cancer syndromes are caused by inherited genetic mutations that increase a person''s risk of developing certain types of cancer. Unlike sporadic cancers, which occur randomly, hereditary cancers are passed down through families and often appear at younger ages.
Key Genes in the GeneCancer™ Panel
The GeneCancer™ 108-gene panel covers the most clinically significant cancer susceptibility genes:
- BRCA1 & BRCA2 — breast, ovarian, prostate, pancreatic cancer risk
- TP53 (Li-Fraumeni syndrome) — multiple cancer types at young ages
- MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, EPCAM — Lynch syndrome (colorectal, endometrial)
- APC — familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
- CDH1 — hereditary diffuse gastric cancer
- PALB2, CHEK2, ATM — moderate-risk breast cancer susceptibility
Who Should Consider Hereditary Cancer Testing?
You may benefit from GeneCancer™ testing if you have:
- A personal or family history of cancer diagnosed before age 50
- Multiple family members with the same or related cancers
- More than one primary cancer in the same individual
- Rare cancers or cancer in both of a paired organ (e.g., both breasts)
- Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer
What Your Results Mean
A positive result does not mean you will definitely develop cancer — it means you have an increased risk. With this knowledge, you and your healthcare provider can create a personalized screening and prevention plan that may include:
- Earlier and more frequent screening (e.g., mammograms, colonoscopies)
- Risk-reducing medications (chemoprevention)
- Prophylactic surgery in high-risk cases
- Lifestyle modifications to reduce overall risk
Gene Matrix AI Difference
Our AI-powered platform goes beyond simple variant detection. GeneMatrix AI™ analyzes each variant''s clinical significance using ACMG guidelines, population frequency data, and the latest research to provide you and your physician with clear, actionable insights.
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Dr. Sofia Reyes
Director of Oncology Research
Expert contributor at Gene Matrix AI, dedicated to advancing precision medicine through evidence-based genetic insights and clinical research.
