syöpätaipumuksen

Syöpätaipumus, also known as cancer predisposition or hereditary cancer syndrome, refers to an increased risk of developing cancer due to an inherited genetic mutation. These mutations are present in a person's germline cells and can be passed down through families. While not everyone who inherits a mutation will develop cancer, they have a significantly higher probability compared to the general population.

Several genes have been identified that, when mutated, significantly increase the risk of certain cancers. For example, mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are strongly associated with an elevated risk of breast, ovarian, prostate, and pancreatic cancers. Similarly, Lynch syndrome, caused by mutations in DNA mismatch repair genes, increases the risk of colorectal, endometrial, ovarian, and other cancers.

The inheritance pattern of these mutations is typically autosomal dominant, meaning that only one copy of the altered gene is sufficient to increase cancer risk. This leads to a 50% chance of an affected individual passing the mutation to each of their children.

Diagnosing a cancer predisposition often involves genetic counseling and testing. If a specific mutation is identified, it can inform screening strategies, medical management, and risk-reducing options for individuals and their families. Understanding one's cancer predisposition allows for proactive health management and targeted surveillance to detect cancers at earlier, more treatable stages.