Simply stated, cancer develops from an accumulation of harmful gene changes (mutations) in a cell, which makes the cell abnormal. The abnormal cancer cell begins to divide without stopping, and may spread to nearby or distant areas of the body.

An inherited gene mutation is passed down by a parent and is present at birth. This occurs in only 5% to 10% of all cancers, and genetic testing is needed to know for sure if someone was born with an inherited cancer gene mutation. Acquired gene mutations are more common and develop over time as people age. A formal cancer risk assessment for individuals with a personal or family history of cancer can be helpful in developing a plan for cancer prevention and early detection.

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Jennifer Van Horn is an oncology clinical nurse specialist. She joined the cancer program at Cheyenne Regional Medical Center in 2011. She received her graduate training at the University of Northern Colorado, and recently completed a post-masters nurse practitioner program through the University of Colorado.

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Van Horn: Myths vs. facts about inherited cancer risk and testing - Wyoming Tribune

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