New research from the Cleveland Clinic reveals that about 5% of Americans—roughly 17 million people—may carry genetic mutations that increase their risk of developing cancer, even if they have no family history or obvious warning signs.
The study, published in JAMA, shows that cancer-linked gene variants are more common than previously believed and highlights the potential benefits of expanding access to genetic testing for everyone.
The research team, led by Dr. Joshua Arbesman and Dr. Ying Ni, analyzed genetic and health data from more than 400,000 participants in the National Institutes of Health’s All of Us Research Program—the largest and most diverse genetic database in the United States.
Their findings show that genetic testing could play a key role in detecting cancer risk earlier and saving lives.
“Genetic testing has usually been recommended only for people with strong family histories of cancer or other clear risk factors,” said Dr. Arbesman, a dermatologist and researcher at the Cleveland Clinic.
“But our study found that many people who carry harmful mutations wouldn’t meet those criteria, meaning we’re likely missing many at-risk individuals who could benefit from early screening and prevention.”
The researchers examined over 70 well-known genes linked to cancer and identified more than 3,400 unique mutations that can raise cancer risk.
These genes are associated with various cancers, including breast, ovarian, colon, and skin cancers. The results suggest that relying only on family history or lifestyle factors to guide testing leaves large numbers of people unaware of their inherited risks.
This new work builds on earlier research by Drs. Arbesman and Ni, which showed that genetic risk for melanoma—an aggressive form of skin cancer—was 7.5 times higher than national guidelines predicted. Their continued research points to a wider issue: many people’s genetic risks go unnoticed in standard medical care.
According to Dr. Ni, broadening genetic testing could change that. “Knowing how common these mutations are in the general population helps us see the bigger picture, without making assumptions about someone’s background or habits,” she said.
Both researchers agree that early detection is crucial. “Our findings emphasize how widespread cancer risk variants are and why regular cancer screenings—such as mammograms, colonoscopies, and skin checks—are vital for everyone, not just those with a family history,” said Dr. Arbesman.
As genetic testing becomes more affordable and accessible, the team hopes that their findings will encourage healthcare systems to include genetic information in preventive care.
“Ultimately,” Dr. Arbesman added, “our goal is to build a complete map of genes that guide cancer prevention and screening, so we can help more people take action before cancer develops.”
If you care about cancer risk, please read studies that exercise may stop cancer in its tracks, and vitamin D can cut cancer death risk.
For more health information, please see recent studies that yogurt and high-fiber diet may cut lung cancer risk, and results showing that new cancer treatment may reawaken the immune system.
Source: KSR.
