STK11
Associated conditions:
- Breast cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Gastric cancer
- Gynaecologic cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
STK11 (also called LKB1) makes a master switch enzyme that restrains cell growth and manages cellular energy. Genetic changes in this gene are associated with an autosomal dominant condition called Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, with gut polyps, dark spots on the lips, and a markedly raised risk of bowel, breast, pancreatic, and other cancers. Knowing your genetic status enables broad, regular screening.
Conditions linked to STK11
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.
Colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer develops in the colon or rectum, usually from polyps that turn cancerous over years. An inherited predisposition raises lifetime risk and shifts it earlier, so it is highly preventable with earlier, more frequent colonoscopy that finds and removes polyps before they progress.
Gastric cancer
Gastric (stomach) cancer forms in the lining of the stomach. Some inherited variants raise its risk, occasionally as a hard-to-detect diffuse type, so carriers may be offered specialist endoscopic surveillance or, in high-risk syndromes, preventive 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.
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.
