CDH1
Associated conditions:
- Breast cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Gastric cancer
CDH1 makes E-cadherin, the molecular glue that holds cells together and normally restrains uncontrolled growth. Genetic changes in this gene are associated with an autosomal dominant condition called hereditary diffuse gastric cancer, which also raises the risk of lobular breast cancer. Knowing your genetic status enables intensive or preventive surveillance, since this stomach cancer spreads within the wall and hides from endoscopy.
Conditions linked to CDH1
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.
