Her family called it a ‘cancer curse.’ They discovered it was a gene mutation passed down generations.

A specific gene mutation can increase cancer risk, particularly for certain types. This mutation is hereditary, passed from parent to child, and affects a significant number of people. Women with this mutation have a higher risk of breast and ovarian cancer, while men have a higher risk of breast, prostate, and other cancers.

Further information is available about the impact of this mutation and steps that can be taken by those who have it. A reporter who carries this mutation is sharing her story to raise awareness. The mutation is relatively rare, affecting roughly one in 400 people.