Read about different genes that are linked to hereditary cancer, their associated risks and guidelines for screening, preventing and treating cancers in people with inherited mutations in these genes.
Cancer risk associated with inherited mutations
If you have tested positive for an mutation, we recommend that you speak with a genetics expert who can look at your personal and family history of cancer and can help you choose the best plan for managing your cancer risk.
Breast cancer risk
Women with an mutation have an increased risk of breast cancer. The estimated lifetime risk of breast cancer is as high as 40 percent. A woman's risk may vary depending on her specific mutation.
Pancreatic cancer risk
People with an mutation have an increased risk for pancreatic cancer. The estimated lifetime risk is 5-10%.
Ovarian cancer risk
Ovarian cancer risk is slightly elevated for people with an inherited mutation.The estimated lifetime risk is about 3%, compared to about 1.3% for the general population.
Risk for other cancers
Some research has suggested that mutations may also increase the risk for the following cancers:
- melanoma
- other cancers
Research on the cancer risks in people with mutations is ongoing but not yet conclusive. More research is needed to better define the lifetime risks for other cancers in people with an mutation. For this reason, genetics experts often look at a family’s history of cancer to help people with mutations understand their risk for additional cancers.
FORCE offers many peer support programs for people with inherited mutations.
- Our Message Boards allow people to connect with others who share their situation. Once you register, you can post on the Diagnosed With Cancer board to connect with other people who have been diagnosed.
- Our Peer Navigation Program will match you with a volunteer who shares your mutation and situation.
- Our moderated, private Facebook group allows you to connect with other community members 24/7.
- Check out our virtual and in-person support meeting calendar.
- Join one of our Zoom community group meeting:
- Caregivers
- LGBTQIA
- Men
- Meetings in American Sign Language
- Meetings in Spanish
- People of Color
- Previvors
- Young Previvors
- Survivors
- Young Survivors
updated: 03/12/2022
NCT02665195: Registry Of MultiPlex Testing (PROMPT). PROMPT is an online research registry. The goal of PROMPT is to help researchers to better understand the risks that are linked to mutations in less well-studied genes. People with inherited mutations can enroll in PROMPT to help researchers learn more about cancer risks.
updated: 02/05/2022