One of the key questions asked by most patients diagnosed with cancer is, Why did this happen to me? In an increasing number of cases, scientists can provide answers, such the inheritance of a cancer-causing gene or exposure to a specific toxin. Just in the last year, researchers uncovered new information about the risks associated with another specific inherited abnormality—Partner and Localizer of BRCA2 (PALB2). Yet these kinds of specific causes are rare overall, and most cases of cancer appear to be sponta…