The acronym CHEK2 stands for checkpoint kinase 2, a pivotal gene that usually plays a crucial role in the realm of DNA repair. Should a mutation or alteration manifest within this gene, it could potentially raise a person’s susceptibility to cancer development, and EverydayHealth.com brings details.
If you’re wondering what are the potential cancer risks associated with a CHEK2 mutation, you’ve made it to the right place. The presence of a CHEK2 mutation in a person could potentially heighten the likelihood of encountering various cancers, including breast cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer, kidney cancer, thyroid cancer, brain tumors, and osteosarcoma.
What your cancer risk is if you have a CHEK2 mutation
Thanks to the official website of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, we can now learn about what a person’s cancer risk can be if he has a CHEK2 mutation, as well as if the relatives need to be worried.
We already mentioned that a deviation within the CHEK2 gene brings an increased susceptibility to specific forms of cancer. The extent of this risk varies depending on the particular mutation within the CHEK2 gene that a person has. Most CHEK2 mutations amplify the susceptibility to breast cancer.
Among the frequently encountered CHEK2 mutations, a slight increase in the risk of colorectal (colon and rectal) cancer is observed.
Although a CHEK2 gene mutation raises the likelihood of cancer beyond the norm, it might not comprehensively elucidate why cancer manifests within the person’s blood relatives.
You must keep in mind that your genetic counselor is the right person to provide elucidation on your cancer risk if you have a mutation.
What about your blood relatives?
If a mutation is present in your body, it means a red flag for your biological parents, siblings, and offspring as well. Each of these individuals has a 50% likelihood of sharing the same mutation at some point during their lifetime. This genetic predisposition could even extend to more distant family members. Unfortunately, you can’t fool around with nature, and nobody says that it always works in reasonable ways.
Both men and women possess an equal likelihood of passing down the mutation within their lineage. In other words, men are not more prone to pass down the mutation than women or vice versa. Merely inheriting the mutation from one parent increases the risk of cancer.
Your genetic counselor has the right knowledge to scrutinize your family lineage and engage in discussions to determine whether genetic testing is advisable for your blood relatives.
It’s important to keep in mind that the level of danger posed by a disease can vary greatly depending on factors such as the stage at which it’s diagnosed, the overall health of the patient, available treatment options, and more. However, when it comes to potential danger and often challenging treatment, brain tumors can be considered one of the most serious conditions on the list of cancers mentioned above.
Brain tumors can be particularly dangerous because of their location within the complex and delicate structures of our brains. They can affect motor skills, cognitive function, and even basic bodily functions, depending on their size and location. Additionally, brain tumors can be challenging to treat because of the complex nature of the brain and the potential to impact vital functions.
Projected for 2023, roughly 24,810 adults (split as 14,280 men and 10,530 women) within the US are expected to receive diagnoses of primary cancerous growths affecting the brain and spinal cord, according to cancer.net.
