RAD51C
Associated conditions:
- Breast cancer
- Gynaecologic cancer
RAD51C makes a protein that helps repair broken DNA accurately, working alongside BRCA-type genes to protect against cancer. Genetic changes in this gene are associated with a raised lifetime risk of ovarian cancer, with a smaller increase in breast cancer risk, 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 screening and risk-reducing steps.
Conditions linked to RAD51C
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.
Gynaecologic cancer
Gynaecologic cancers include ovarian, uterine (endometrial) and related cancers. Inherited variants can raise the risk of one or more of these, so knowing your status guides screening discussions and risk-reducing options such as surgery after childbearing.
