Hereditary Cancer Syndromes
Why choose us for hereditary cancer syndromes care?
Doctors and genetic experts at Mays Cancer Center, home to UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson, are, in some cases, stopping cancer before it starts. We take extra steps to identify people at risk for hereditary forms of cancer. We personalize your care to lower the chances of receiving a cancer diagnosis.
Hereditary cancer syndromes, which include Lynch syndrome and hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome, are a group of conditions that raise your risk for certain cancers. These syndromes are often passed down in families. But they don’t need to get in the way of living a full, active life. Our cancer genetic testing and preventive services increase your chances of remaining cancer-free. If you start showing signs of cancer, we often catch it in earlier stages, when it’s easier to treat.
What you need to know
- Cancer occurs when gene changes (mutations) cause abnormal cells to grow and multiply. A small number of cancers stem from mutations passed down in families.
- Having a hereditary cancer syndrome means you carry a mutation that is more likely to cause cancer. It is not the same as having cancer. And it does not automatically mean you will experience cancer in your lifetime.
- Many hereditary cancer syndromes, including Lynch syndrome, may lead to colon cancer or hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.
- Lynch syndrome and hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome lead to a higher risk for more than one type of cancer.
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