Only a small percentage of cancers involve inherited mutations
that are passed from generation to generation. The majority of
cancers can be attributed to acquired mutations. “Acquired”
means that the mutations occur only in the tissue that is
affected by cancer and that the changes are not present in all
cells of the body. Acquired mutations are not inherited and are
not passed down to our children. Listed below are several
genetic syndromes associated with an increased risk for breast
cancer that require clinical care by a physician or other health
care professional. Have a symptom or a health care concern? Use
this library to explore the symptom topics that could help.