What are inherited gene mutations?

Inherited gene mutations refer specifically to changes in the DNA that are passed down from parents to their offspring. These mutations can significantly impact an individual's cancer risk, as certain inherited mutations are linked to an increased likelihood of developing various types of cancer. For example, mutations in genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 can greatly elevate the risk for breast and ovarian cancers.

In this context, it's important to understand that these mutations do not guarantee that a person will develop cancer, nor do they offer any type of protective effect against cancer. Instead, they simply increase the likelihood of developing the disease due to the malfunctioning of key genes that play critical roles in cell growth and repair. Thus, the correct answer captures the essence of how these inherited mutations function within familial heredity and their relation to cancer risk.