NF1
Associated conditions:
- Breast cancer
- Endocrine cancer
- Gastrointestinal stromal tumours
- Nervous system/brain cancer
NF1 makes neurofibromin, a tumour suppressor that switches off the RAS growth signal so nerve cells do not multiply unchecked. Genetic changes in this gene are associated with an autosomal dominant condition called neurofibromatosis type 1, with skin patches and nerve tumours that occasionally become cancerous. Knowing your genetic status enables regular skin, eye, and neurological checks that catch problems early.
Conditions linked to NF1
Breast cancer
Breast cancer starts in the cells of the breast. An inherited predisposition raises lifetime risk and can bring it on younger, so it is managed with earlier and more frequent breast screening (such as MRI alongside mammography) and, for some, risk-reducing options.
Endocrine cancer
Endocrine cancers affect hormone-producing glands such as the thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal glands or pancreatic islet cells. Inherited variants can drive tumours in one or more of these glands, so awareness supports periodic hormone testing and imaging to catch changes early.
Nervous system/brain cancer
Cancers of the nervous system and brain arise in the brain, spinal cord or their supporting tissues. Some inherited syndromes raise the risk of these tumours, so awareness supports prompt assessment of new neurological symptoms and, where indicated, imaging surveillance.
