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Cancer risk associated with inherited  mutations

If you have tested positive for a mutation, we recommend consulting with a genetics expert who can assess your personal and family history of cancer and can help you decide on a risk-management plan. Note that when we use "men" and "women" we are referring to the sex you were assigned at birth.

Risks for women with a mutation

  • About a 10% lifetime risk of ovarian,  or primary peritoneal cancer (these three cancers and their risks are related and are often referred to together as ovarian cancer).
  • A possible increased lifetime risk for breast cancer.

Other cancer risks for people with a mutation

There is not yet enough research to conclude that a mutation is associated with an increased risk of other adult-onset cancers. Research on the risk for cancer in people with mutations is ongoing. 

Graph of lifetime risk for women with a <button
                x-data
                class='glossary-tip tt-brip1'
                x-tooltip='<p>BRIP1 is a gene found on chromosome 17.&nbsp;Women who inherit one mutated copy of BRIP1 are at an increased risk of&nbsp;ovarian cancer.&nbsp;Research on the risk for other cancers for people with a mutation&nbsp;in BRIP1 is ongoing.</p>

<p>Inheriting two mutated copies of BRIP1, one from each parent, causes a rare blood disease known as Fanconi anemia in children.</p>
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            >BRIP1</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
Last updated February 27, 2023

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

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: 05/29/2023