Genetics matter: know your family, know your genes.
Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) is a genetic condition that significantly increases the risk of developing many types of cancers.
Cancers related to this condition may occur at any age, but there is a high risk for cancer occurring in childhood. It has been reported that over 40% of children with LFS develop cancer by age 18.
Nearly 100% of women with LFS will develop cancer in their lifetime due to their markedly increased risk of breast cancer.
LFS affects both men and women throughout the world.
Ask your doctor for a genetic test to determine whether you might have Li‑Fraumeni syndrome if you have been diagnosed with:
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• One or two of these different cancers prior to age 46 – and you have one (or more) first- or second-degree relative with one of these cancers:
breast cancer (prior to age 56), soft tissue sarcoma, osteosarcoma, brain tumor, adrenocortical carcinoma; OR -
• two or more tumors (not multiple breast cancers), including 2 core tumors, the first of which occurred before 46 years; OR
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• adrenocortical carcinoma; OR
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• choroid plexus carcinoma; OR
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• anaplastic rhabdomyosarcoma; OR
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• breast cancer before 31 years; OR
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• osteosarcoma; OR
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• childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (low) hypodiploid; OR
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• childhood medulloblastoma SHH
If you answered YES to any of these, ask your doctor for a genetic test.
Many cancers are associated with LFS, the most prevalent include:
- • Soft tissue sarcoma (such as anaplastic rhabdomyosarcoma)
- • Osteosarcoma
- • Breast cancer (premenopausal)
- • Brain and central nervous system (CNS) tumors (such as glioma, choroid plexus carcinoma, SHH subtype medulloblastoma, neuroblastoma)
- • Adrenocortical carcinoma
- • Acute leukemia
- • Lung adenocarcinoma
- • Melanoma
- • Gastrointestinal tumors (such as colon, pancreas)
- • Kidney
- • Thyroid
- • Gonadal germ cells (such as ovarian, testicular, and prostate)
What Causes Li-Fraumeni syndrome?
LFS is caused by a variant in your TP53 tumor suppressor gene, which controls abnormal cell growth and prevents cancers from developing. Everyone has two copies of TP53 in each of their body’s cells. For those with LFS, one of the two TP53 genes do not function properly, or it may be missing altogether.
Most people with LFS inherited the variant from a parent, but LFS can also result de novo, without having affected parents or a family history of cancer. Each child of a parent with LFS has a 50% chance of inheriting the syndrome. For this reason, those who have had cancer at a young age or those with a family history of cancer should ask their doctor or a genetic counselor for a genetic test.
If you are pregnant or considering becoming pregnant, you should discuss the reproductive implications of LFS with your doctor or genetic counselor.
Join us at Li-Fraumeni Syndrome Association (LFSA) to learn more and help spread the word about life-saving benefits of genetic testing and cancer screening
LFSA provides information, advocacy, and support services for individuals and families with Li-Fraumeni Syndrome and those who want to learn whether their family may be affected. LFSA supports a consortium of researchers, medical providers, and caregivers to advance research and promote optimal care for the LFS community.
LFSA is also a supportive community of Li-Fraumeni Syndrome families and survivors. We are the building blocks of a future without LFS. Together we bring together those who share this lifesaving goal.
Learn the facts on how Li-Fraumeni syndrome and TP53 impact public health.
Download the LFS Awareness information sheet.
More information for physicians, family & friends.
LFS Youth Brochure
Empowering adolescents and young adults to drive key aspects of their healthcare and decision making.
LFS Awareness Brochure
Genetics can’t be changed, but the way we approach our healthcare can be. Early detection saves lives.
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