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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 > MSH2 > Cancer Risk

1
Overview
2
Cancer Risk
3
Risk Management
4
Cancer Treatment
5
Other Considerations

Cancer risk associated with inherited  mutations

If you have tested positive for an  mutation, we recommend speaking with a genetics expert who can look at your personal and family history of cancer, and can help you decide on the best risk management plan.

Risk for cancer in people with an mutation. Source: NCCN: Genetic/Familiar High-Risk Assessment: Colorectal Version 1.2021
Cancer type Lifetime risk with for people with mutation Lifetime risk for people in general population Average age of diagnosis for people with mutation Average age of diagnosis for people in the general population
Colorectal 33 - 52% 4.2% 44 years 68 - 72 years
Endometrial 21 - 57% 3.1% 47 - 48 years 60 years
Ovarian 8 - 38% 1.3% 43 years 63 years
Kidney/ureter 2.2 - 28% unknown 54 - 61 years Not specified
Bladder 4.4 - 12.8% 2.4% 59 years 73 years
Gastric  0.2 - 9% 0.9% 52 years 68 years
Small bowel 1.1 - 10% 0.3% 48 years 60s - 70s
3.9 - 23.8% 11.6% 59 - 63 years 66 years
Brain  2.5 - 7.7% 0.6% No data 59 years
Biliary tract .02 - 1.7% 0.2% 57 years 70 - 72 year

People with an inherited  mutation may have an increased risk for other cancers. The exact risks for the following cancers are unknown:

  • pancreatic cancer
  • sebaceous skin growths
  • female breast cancer

Research on how inherited mutations in the  gene affect cancer risk is ongoing.

   Graph of lifetime risk for colorectal cancer in person with an EPCAM mutation  Graph of lifetime risk for endometrial cancer with an EPCAM mutation

   Graph of lifetime ovarian risk for people with an EPCAM mutation  Graph of lifetime risk for bladder cancer in person with EPCAM mutation


Graph of lifetime prostate cancer risk in men with EPCAM mutation Graph of lifetime risk for kidney or ureteral cancer in person with EPCAM mutation

find-support find-support

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

updated: 03/12/2022

related-resources related-resources

The following resources focus on . 

updated: 11/27/2021

Last updated March 14, 2022