Genetic testing for hereditary melanoma is not only significant for the person tested, but for the person’s family as well.
p16 mutations causing hereditary melanoma are passed on to families in an autosomal dominant pattern—meaning that someone with this mutation has a 50% chance of passing it on to each of his/her children
Knowing the mutation came from the mother or father is helpful, because other family members on that side of the family (aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.) may also carry the mutation
Example of a male with an autosomal dominant mutation —
2 affected children and 2 unaffected children
Sharing genetic testing results with family members is also important:
A positive result may indicate that other family members carry the mutation
It gives relatives the option of being tested for the identified mutation, so they can make informed decisions about screening and management that may help prevent cancer or identify it at an earlier, more treatable stage
