MSH6 (Lynch Syndrome): Cancer Risks
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Sign Up for FORCE NewslettersCancer Risks Associated with Inherited Mutations
People with an mutation have . mutations increase the risk for colorectal, endometrial and other types of cancer listed in the table below.
If you or a relative have tested positive for an mutation, we recommend speaking with a genetics expert. They can look at your personal and family medical history to help you understand and decide on a plan for managing your risk.
August 24, 2020
Cancer risk table
Cancer Type |
Lifetime Risk with an MSH6 Mutation |
Lifetime Risk for General Population |
Average Age of Onset with MSH6 |
Average Age of Onset in General Population |
Colorectal |
10 - 44% |
4.1% |
42 - 69 years |
68 - 72 years |
Endometrial |
16 - 49% |
3.1% |
53 - 55 years |
60 years |
Ovarian |
1 - 13% |
1.1% |
46 years |
63 years |
Kidney/ureter |
0.7 - 5.5% |
Unknown |
65 - 69 years |
Not specified |
Bladder |
1 - 8.2% |
2.4% |
71 years |
73 years |
Gastric |
<1 - 7.9% |
0.8% |
Limited data |
68 years |
Small bowel |
<1 - 4% |
0.3% |
54 years |
60s - 70s |
Prostate |
May be elevated |
11.6% |
63 years |
66 years |
Brain |
0.8 - 1.8% |
0.5% |
43 - 54 years |
59 years |
Biliary tract |
0.2 - 1.0% |
No data |
No data |
70 - 72 years |
Risk for cancer in people with an inherited EPCAM mutation. Source: NCCN Guidelines: Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Colorectal, Endometrial, Gastric vs. 1 2024 |
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Other cancers
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.
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