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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 Genes and Risk > By Gene Mutation > BRCA2 > Cancer Risk

1
Overview
2
Cancer Risk
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Risk Management
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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.

Research on lifetime cancer risk for people with  mutations has varied. The following risks are estimates based on review of different large studies. The average age of a cancer diagnosis is younger in people with a  mutation than people who do not have a mutation. 


Risks in women

  • Breast cancer: The lifetime risk with a  mutation is about 60 percent, compared with 12.5 percent for a woman of average risk. 
  • Ovarian cancer: The lifetime risk with a  mutation is about 15-30 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 25 percent.


Risks in men

  • cancer: The lifetime risk for a man with a  mutation is about 30-60 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 for a man with a  mutation is about 7 percent. Breast cancers in men with inherited  mutations tend to occur at a younger age than in men without inherited mutations.


Risks in all people

  • Pancreatic cancer: The lifetime risk for a person with a  mutation is about 5-10 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 of breast cancer in women with a <button x-data class='glossary-tip tt-brca2' x-tooltip='<p>BRCA2&nbsp;is a gene found on chromosome 13. Mutations in BRCA2&nbsp;increase the risk for cancers including breast, ovarian, pancreatic, prostate, melanoma and possibly other cancers. BRCA2&nbsp;mutations are among the genes associated with Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome, also known as HBOC.&nbsp;</p> ' >BRCA2</button> mutation     Graph of lifetime risk for ovarian cancer for women with a <button x-data class='glossary-tip tt-brca2' x-tooltip='<p>BRCA2&nbsp;is a gene found on chromosome 13. Mutations in BRCA2&nbsp;increase the risk for cancers including breast, ovarian, pancreatic, prostate, melanoma and possibly other cancers. BRCA2&nbsp;mutations are among the genes associated with Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome, also known as HBOC.&nbsp;</p> ' >BRCA2</button> mutation

Graph of lifetime risk for pancreatic cancer for a person with a <button x-data class='glossary-tip tt-brca2' x-tooltip='<p>BRCA2&nbsp;is a gene found on chromosome 13. Mutations in BRCA2&nbsp;increase the risk for cancers including breast, ovarian, pancreatic, prostate, melanoma and possibly other cancers. BRCA2&nbsp;mutations are among the genes associated with Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome, also known as HBOC.&nbsp;</p> ' >BRCA2</button> mutation     Graph of lifetime risk for prostate cancer in men with a <button x-data class='glossary-tip tt-brca2' x-tooltip='<p>BRCA2&nbsp;is a gene found on chromosome 13. Mutations in BRCA2&nbsp;increase the risk for cancers including breast, ovarian, pancreatic, prostate, melanoma and possibly other cancers. BRCA2&nbsp;mutations are among the genes associated with Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome, also known as HBOC.&nbsp;</p> ' >BRCA2</button> mutation

find-support find-support

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

updated: 03/12/2022

clinical-trials 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

cancer

Ovarian cancer

Pancreatic cancer

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

updated: 02/23/2022

Last updated March 13, 2022