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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.
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Hereditary Cancer and Genetic Testing

Hereditary Cancer Genes and Risk > By Gene Mutation > BRCA1 > Cancer Risk

1
Overview
2
Cancer Risk
3
Risk Management
4
Cancer Treatment
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Other Considerations

Cancer risk associated with inherited mutations

If you have tested positive for a mutation, we recommend that you consult with a genetics expert who can assess your personal and family history of cancer, and help you determine the best risk management plan. Compared with people in the general population, people with mutations have a higher risk for several cancers. The average age of a cancer diagnosis tends to be younger in people with a mutation than in people who do not have a mutation. The risks listed below are estimates based on different large studies.


Risks in women

  • Breast cancer: The lifetime risk with a mutation is about 65 percent, compared with 12.5 percent for a woman of average risk. 
  • Ovarian cancer: The lifetime risk with a  mutation is about 40-60 percent, compared with 1.3 percent for a woman of average risk.
  • Second breast cancer in women who have already been diagnosed with breast cancer: The lifetime risk is about 40 percent.
  • Uterine cancer: There is a small increased risk for a rare form of aggressive uterine cancer, the estimated risk to age 70 is up to 5 percent.


Risks in men

  • cancer: The lifetime risk for a man with a mutation is about 7-26 percent, compared with 12 percent for a man of average risk. cancer in men with an inherited mutation may be more aggressive than in men without an inherited mutation. 
  • Male breast cancer: The lifetime risk with a mutation is about 0.2-1.2 percent.


Risks in all people

  • Pancreatic cancer: The lifetime risk for a person with a mutation is about 5 percent compared with 1 percent for a person of average risk. 
  • Research on how mutations in the gene affect cancer risk is ongoing. Some research suggests that mutations may increase risk for melanoma. However, because these studies are not conclusive, genetics experts often look at a person’s family history of cancer to help people with mutations understand their risk for additional cancers.

Graph of lifetime risk for breast cancer in women with a <button x-data class='glossary-tip tt-brca1' x-tooltip='<p>BRCA1 is a gene found on chromosome 17. Mutations in BRCA1 increase the risk for cancers including breast, ovarian, pancreatic, prostate,&nbsp;melanoma and possibly other cancers. BRCA1&nbsp;mutations are among the genes associated with Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome, also known as HBOC.&nbsp;</p> ' >BRCA1</button> mutation       Graph of lifetime risk of ovarian cancer in people with a <button x-data class='glossary-tip tt-brca1' x-tooltip='<p>BRCA1 is a gene found on chromosome 17. Mutations in BRCA1 increase the risk for cancers including breast, ovarian, pancreatic, prostate,&nbsp;melanoma and possibly other cancers. BRCA1&nbsp;mutations are among the genes associated with Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome, also known as HBOC.&nbsp;</p> ' >BRCA1</button> mutation

Graph of lifetime risk for pancreatic cancer in people with a <button x-data class='glossary-tip tt-brca1' x-tooltip='<p>BRCA1 is a gene found on chromosome 17. Mutations in BRCA1 increase the risk for cancers including breast, ovarian, pancreatic, prostate,&nbsp;melanoma and possibly other cancers. BRCA1&nbsp;mutations are among the genes associated with Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome, also known as HBOC.&nbsp;</p> ' >BRCA1</button> mutation       Graph of lifetime risk for prostate cancer in men with a <button x-data class='glossary-tip tt-brca1' x-tooltip='<p>BRCA1 is a gene found on chromosome 17. Mutations in BRCA1 increase the risk for cancers including breast, ovarian, pancreatic, prostate,&nbsp;melanoma and possibly other cancers. BRCA1&nbsp;mutations are among the genes associated with Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome, also known as HBOC.&nbsp;</p> ' >BRCA1</button> mutation

It is important to note that cancer risks are estimates over the course of a person's lifetime. Your lifetime risk and risk over the next five years will vary depending on:

  • current age
  • gender assigned at birth
  • specific mutation
  • personal and family health history
  • diet, exercise, lifestyle and other factors
Last updated September 14, 2022

Get Support
Get Support

FORCE offers many peer support programs for people with inherited mutations. 

updated: 08/06/2022

Open Clinical Trials
Open Clinical Trials

The following are studies looking at level of risk or risk-management for people with inherited or mutations. Check study listings or contact the study team to see if you are eligible. 

Multiple cancers

Breast cancer

cancer

Ovarian cancer

Pancreatic cancer

Additional risk-management clinical trials for people with inherited mutations may be found here.

updated: 09/11/2022