What is a common cancer risk for individuals with Fanconi Anemia?

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Individuals with Fanconi Anemia, a genetic condition that affects DNA repair, face a notably increased risk for certain types of cancers due to their compromised ability to repair DNA damage. Among these, acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is recognized as a significant cancer risk. This is primarily because the faulty DNA repair mechanisms lead to chromosomal instability, which can result in the development of hematological malignancies including AML.

Research and clinical observations have consistently shown that patients with Fanconi Anemia are at an elevated risk for developing AML compared to the general population. This association underscores the importance of vigilant monitoring for hematological cancer in individuals with the condition.

In contrast, while breast cancer is indeed a concern for some genetic syndromes, such as BRCA1/2 mutations, it is not primarily linked to Fanconi Anemia. Similarly, prostate and lung cancers are less commonly associated with this particular syndrome. The specificity of acute myeloid leukemia as a significant cancer risk for those with Fanconi Anemia is what makes it the correct answer to this question.

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