BMPR1A
Associated conditions:
- Colorectal cancer
- Gastric cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
BMPR1A makes a receptor in the bone morphogenetic protein signaling pathway, which tells cells in the gut lining when to grow, mature, and stop dividing. Genetic changes in this gene are associated with an autosomal dominant condition called juvenile polyposis syndrome, in which many polyps form in the colon and stomach and can turn cancerous. Knowing your genetic status enables regular screening to find and remove polyps before they progress.
Conditions linked to BMPR1A
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.
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.
