May is Brain Cancer Awareness Month, a time to amplify the voices of those affected, raise crucial funds for research, and educate the public about this devastating disease. While many brain cancers arise sporadically, a growing understanding of genetics reveals that some cases have a hereditary component. This brings the important topic of hereditary screening into focus.
Understanding the Challenge: Brain Cancer's Complexity
Brain cancer encompasses a wide range of tumors, from relatively benign to highly aggressive. This complexity makes it challenging to pinpoint specific causes. While environmental factors and radiation exposure can play a role, genetic predispositions are increasingly recognized as contributing factors in certain types of brain tumors.
Hereditary Links: Gene by Gene screening
Certain genetic syndromes are associated with an increased risk of developing brain tumors. These include:
- Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and type 2 (NF2): These syndromes can lead to the development of tumors in the nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord.
- Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC): TSC can cause benign tumors to grow in various organs, including the brain.
- Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS): This syndrome increases the risk of developing several cancers, including brain tumors, due to mutations in the TP53 gene.
- Turcot syndrome: This syndrome, associated with mutations in genes like APC or mismatch repair genes, increases the risk of colorectal polyps and brain tumors.
- Cowden syndrome: This syndrome is associated with mutations in the PTEN gene and can increase the risk of brain tumors.
Gene by Gene
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Gene By Gene is a world leader in genetic testing services with over 20 years of experience. Our laboratory holds accreditation from multiple agencies, including CAP, CLIA, California Department of Public Health, and AABB. With a cutting-edge laboratory and highly trained team of experts, we are committed to excellence in the field of genetic analysis.
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