ATM
If a person inherits a mutation in the ATM gene, they have an increased risk for the associated cancers. It is important to understand that having one ATM mutation does not mean that a person will develop cancer; it only means that they have an increased risk.
Females who have an ATM genetic mutation are at an increased risk of breast and pancreatic cancers. Males are at an increased risk of prostate and pancreatic cancers. Additional studies have suggested other cancer associations, such as ovarian cancer, but the extent of risk remains uncertain.
The age at diagnosis and type of cancer can vary among people who have ATM genetic mutation, even within the same family.
ATM is considered a moderate cancer risk gene. A mutation in a moderate risk gene is just one risk factor that can contribute to cancer development. A family could have other undetected genetic and/or non-genetic risk factors contributing to cancer development. For this reason, cancer screening recommendations should be guided by genetic test results and family history.
Recommendations on the best way for you to manage your individual cancer risk should be discussed with a genetic counselor or doctor who is experienced in the care of people with ATM genetic mutations.
PALB2
If a person inherits a mutation in the PALB2 gene, they have an increased risk for the associated cancers. It is important to understand that having a PALB2 mutation does not mean that a person will develop cancer; it only means that they have an increased risk.
Females who have a PALB2 genetic mutation are at an increased risk of breast and pancreatic cancers. Males are at an increased risk of pancreatic cancers. Additional studies have suggested other cancer associations, such as ovarian cancer, but the extent of risk remains uncertain.
The age at diagnosis and type of cancer can vary among people who have PALB2 genetic mutation, even within the same family.
Recommendations on the best way for you to manage your individual cancer risk should be discussed with a genetic counselor or doctor who is experienced in the care of people with PALB2 genetic mutations.