Pre-cancerous and genetic conditions

Find out more about health conditions and gene changes that can increase your risk of cancer.
Barrett's oesophagus
Barrett's oesophagus is a condition that can sometimes develop into cancer of the lower oesophagus.
Bowen's disease

Bowen’s disease is a very early form of slow-growing skin cancer. There are many effective treatments.
BRCA gene
BRCA1 and BRCA2 are two genes that everyone has. Sometimes the structure inside a gene is permanently changed. This change is called a gene mutation.
Breast calcifications
Breast calcifications are small spots (deposits) of calcium in the breast – they are usually harmless.
Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
FAP is a rare condition that can run in families. If not treated, FAP causes a high risk of bowel cancer.
Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS)
Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) is not a cancer, but can increase the risk of developing cancer.
Lynch syndrome (LS)
Lynch syndrome (LS) is a rare condition that can run in families. It increases the risk of developing some cancers.
MGUS
MGUS (monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance) is a non-cancerous condition where the body makes an abnormal protein, called a paraprotein.
MEN1
MEN1 is a condition that can run in families. It causes tumours that are usually non-cancerous (benign).
MEN2
MEN2 is a condition that can run in families. It causes tumours in endocrine (hormone-making) glands. They can be cancerous or non-cancerous (benign).
Vaginal intra-epithelial neoplasia (VAIN)

Vaginal intra-epithelial neoplasia (VAIN) is a term that describes abnormal changes of the cells that line the vagina. VAIN is not cancer, but over time it can sometimes develop into cancer
Vulval intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN)

Vulval intra-epithelial neoplasia (VIN) describes abnormal changes of the cells that cover the vulva. VIN is not cancer, but it may develop into cancer after many years.

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