Disease Information

Fanconi Anemia Explained

What Is FA?

FA is a genetic disease caused by mutations in any of the known 23 genes (including genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2) that play a role in the FA DNA repair pathway. FA is considered a cancer-predisposition or cancer-susceptibility disease. Decades of research have revealed that faulty DNA repair causes FA, and individuals with FA are much more likely to develop cancer at a young age.

Better Care Now

Clinical Care Guidelines

At Fanconi Cancer Foundation, we are in relentless pursuit of better care, better treatment, and ultimately, a cure for FA and FA-related cancers. Our clinical care guidelines are here as a resource for medical and care team providers who may never have crossed paths with FA before, in hopes they are able to provide better support for patients with FA.

Knowledge Is Key

Cancer Awareness and Empowerment

Cancer can be daunting, and it’s natural to want to avoid dwelling on it. At FCF, we understand the weight of this concern for families affected by FA. That’s why we’re committed to partnering with the FA research and medical community to confront this challenge head-on. While experts work tirelessly towards solutions, we encourage you to stay informed without feeling overwhelmed.

Stay Informed

Resource Library

Explore our library of educational materials and videos to empower individuals and families impacted by FA. Gain insights, guidance, and understanding to navigate FA’s complexities with more confidence.

The Latest

News & Events

Nine Newly Funded Research Grants Support Next Steps in FA Care

Czechowicz lab at Stanford Promising research needs continued support to answer the next question. A laboratory finding may need testing in more models. A screening study may need years of follow-up. An approach ready for a clinical study needs the...

Read More >

New Findings, Next Steps: Research Highlights From the 2026 FA Scientific Symposium

How can we prevent cancer in people with FA? How can treatments become safer? At the 2026 FA Scientific Symposium in Phoenix, researchers shared progress toward answering these questions, alongside work to protect blood-forming cells and better understand the broader effects of FA. Some approaches are entering clinical studies. Others are helping researchers decide which ideas deserve further testing.

Read More >

Honoring Lynn Frohnmayer’s lifetime of commitment to the FA community

More than four decades ago, Lynn Frohnmayer was a mother searching for answers after learning that three of her five children had Fanconi anemia. There was no roadmap and no established network of families or experts. Information was scarce, treatments were limited, and the future her family had been given was devastating.

Read More >