ATM
Associated conditions:
- Breast cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Prostate cancer
ATM makes a protein that senses breaks in DNA and coordinates their repair, keeping cell division in check. Genetic changes in this gene are associated with ataxia-telangiectasia when inherited in two copies, and with a raised lifetime risk of breast, pancreatic, and prostate cancer when a single copy is altered. Knowing your genetic status enables earlier and more frequent cancer screening.
Conditions linked to ATM
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.
Prostate cancer
Prostate cancer develops in the prostate gland. Certain inherited variants raise lifetime risk and the chance of a more aggressive form, so carriers are often offered earlier and more regular PSA testing.
