Definition

A term used to describe a gene that may increase a person’s risk of developing some types of cancer if it has certain mutations (changes). For example, a person who has mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene has more risk than normal of developing breast cancer and/or ovarian cancer. Cancer susceptibility genes are usually passed from parent to child and may be seen within families. Knowing if a person has a cancer susceptibility gene may help prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer. Not all people who have a cancer susceptibility gene will develop cancer. Also called cancer predisposition gene.