Cancer risk associated with inherited mutations
Cancer risks may vary based on your specific mutation and family history. NCCN notes that some mutations (for example a mutation known as IIe157Thr) may be associated with lower breast cancer risks than other mutations. If you have tested positive for an inherited 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. Note that when we use "men" and "women" we are referring to the sex you were assigned at birth.
Breast cancer risk
- Women have a lifetime risk of 20-40 percent.
- There may also be an increased risk for male breast cancer, but the exact risk is unknown.
Colorectal cancer risk
People who inherit a mutation may be at increased risk of colorectal cancer. More research is needed to understand the lifetime colorectal cancer risk for people with mutations.
Other cancer risks for people with a mutation
Some research has linked mutations to other cancer risks, including and thyroid cancer. More research is needed to prove these links. Research on the risk for cancer in people with mutations is ongoing.
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
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 registered, 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 meetings.
updated: 08/06/2022
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: 05/29/2023