A risk factor is anything that increases a person’s chance of developing a tumor. Although risk factors often influence the development of a tumor, most do not directly cause a tumor. Some people with several risk factors never develop a tumor, while others with no known risk factors do.
Doctors are gradually understanding what causes most childhood tumors, including medulloblastoma. The following factors are linked with a higher risk of medulloblastoma:
Age. Medulloblastoma occurs most often in the first 8 years of life, with about half occurring in children younger than 6 years old.
Genetics. The following genetic conditions are associated with a higher risk of developing medulloblastoma:
Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS)
Turcot Syndrome
BRCA1 gene mutations