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Cancer Risk

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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Cancer Risks Associated with Inherited Mutations

If you have tested positive for a  mutation, we recommend that you consult with a genetics expert who can look at your personal and family history of cancer, and help you decide on a plan for managing your risk. People with mutations have a higher risk for several cancers. These cancers tend to be diagnosed at a younger age than in people without a mutation. The risks listed below are estimates based on different large studies. Note that when we use "men" and "women" we are referring to the sex you were assigned at birth.

Breast cancer 

  Risk with a  mutation Average- risk person Notes
Lifetime breast cancer in women Over 60%  12.5%   
Risk for 2nd breast cancer diagnosis in women who were premenopausal at the time of 1st diagnosis 27% risk within 10 years of initial diagnosis   Applies to women who have not had mastectomy
Risk for 2nd breast cancer diagnosis in women who were postmenopausal at the time of 1st diagnosis  8% risk within 10 years of initial diagnosis   Applies to women who have not had  mastectomy
Male breast cancer 2-7% 0.1%  

 

Gynecologic cancer

  Risk with a  mutation Average- risk person Notes
Ovarian, and primary peritoneal cancers 15-30%  1.3%   

 

cancer

  Risk with a  mutation Average- risk person Notes
cancer 20-60%  12% People with an inherited  mutation are more likely to develop an  aggressive type of cancer.   

 

Pancreatic cancer

  Risk with a  mutation Average- risk person
Pancreatic cancer 5-10%  1.0% 

 

Research on how mutations in the  gene affect cancer risk is ongoing. 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 the name of a gene linked to cancer. Inherited mutations in BRCA2&nbsp;increase the risk for breast (male and female), ovarian, pancreatic, prostate, melanoma and possibly other cancers and can cause cancer to run in families.&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 the name of a gene linked to cancer. Inherited mutations in BRCA2&nbsp;increase the risk for breast (male and female), ovarian, pancreatic, prostate, melanoma and possibly other cancers and can cause cancer to run in families.&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 the name of a gene linked to cancer. Inherited mutations in BRCA2&nbsp;increase the risk for breast (male and female), ovarian, pancreatic, prostate, melanoma and possibly other cancers and can cause cancer to run in families.&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 the name of a gene linked to cancer. Inherited mutations in BRCA2&nbsp;increase the risk for breast (male and female), ovarian, pancreatic, prostate, melanoma and possibly other cancers and can cause cancer to run in families.&nbsp;</p>'
            >BRCA2</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
  • sex assigned at birth
  • specific mutation
  • personal and family health history
  • diet, exercise, lifestyle and other factors

Get Support
Get Support

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

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.

Last updated December 01, 2023