For more about parental and patient support resources explore Support Groups . For general sources of information see Professional Associations and Information Sources . Epidemiological studies suggest that A-T carriers are at an increased risk for cancer, especially breast cancer Prenatal testing is clinically available and can utilize DNA mutation analysis. AT is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by cerebellar ataxia, telangiectases, immune defects, and a predisposition to malignancy.
Chromosomal breakage is a feature.
The oldest known AT patient at age 52 years AT may be the most common syndromic progressive cerebellar ataxia of early childhood. Incidence of cancer in 161 families affected by Ataxia - Telangiectasia by Swift M., et al. An estimated 150,000 people in the United States are affected. The ailment is progressive. Ataxia - Telangiectasia Mutation Database.