Family members (including children) of someone with a faulty TP53 gene can have genetic testing to check who has the faulty gene and who does not. Their doctor can refer them to a genetic service to find out more about their chance of developing cancer and what genetic testing involves.
If a person does have the faulty TP53 gene:
- they can pass it on to their children
- each child has a 50% (or 1 in 2) chance of being born with it. Pregnancy planning options are available to people who want to prevent the faulty gene from being passed on.
If a person does not have the faulty TP53 gene:
- they have the same chance of developing cancer as the general population (unless there are other factors that increase this risk)
- they cannot pass it on to their children.
People who decide not to have genetic testing should still get advice about managing their chance of developing cancer. |