PALB2
Associated conditions:
- Breast cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
PALB2 makes a protein that partners with BRCA2 to repair broken DNA and keep cells stable. Genetic changes in this gene are associated with a substantially raised lifetime risk of breast and pancreatic cancer when one copy is altered, and, when both copies are altered, with an autosomal recessive condition called Fanconi anaemia, a distinct and more serious childhood condition. Knowing your genetic status enables earlier and more frequent screening and, in some cases, preventive treatment.
Conditions linked to PALB2
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.
Pancreatic cancer
Pancreatic cancer arises in the pancreas and is often found late. Some inherited variants raise its risk, so carriers may be offered specialist surveillance (MRI or endoscopic ultrasound), which aims to catch changes at a more treatable stage.
