Risk Factors
A risk factor is any characteristic, behavior, or condition that raises the possibility of developing a disease. Here are some known risk factors for developing GIST:
Age
GIST tumors occur most often in people over the age of 50.
Gender
Men are slightly more likely to develop GISTs than women.
Genetics/Family History
Some forms of GIST are caused by inherited genetic mutations of the KIT, NF1, PDGFRA or Succinate Dehydrogenase (SDH) genes. Carney triad, a genetic syndrome, has also been linked to GIST. Close relatives of a person with a GIST may be at an increased risk for the disease if they inherited one of these mutations.
