What Are Some Examples of Hereditary Cancer Syndromes?
Hereditary cancer syndromes are conditions associated with genetic mutations that significantly elevate the risk of developing cancer. Some well-known syndromes include:
- Lynch Syndrome: Caused by mutations in mismatch repair genes, it increases the risk of colorectal, endometrial, and other types of cancer. - Li-Fraumeni Syndrome: Linked to mutations in the TP53 gene, it predisposes individuals to a variety of cancers, including sarcomas, breast cancer, and brain tumors. - Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP): Caused by mutations in the APC gene, it leads to the development of numerous polyps in the colon and rectum, which can become cancerous.