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 Genes and Risk > By Gene Mutation > PALB2 > Cancer Risk

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Overview
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Cancer Risk
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Risk Management
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Cancer Treatment
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Other Considerations

Cancer risk associated with an inherited PALB2 mutation

If you have tested positive for a PALB2 mutation, we recommend that you consult with a genetics expert who can assess your personal and family history of cancer, and help you determine the best risk management plan.

Increased lifetime cancer risks associated with a PALB2 mutation:

  • Women who have a mutation in PALB2 are at increased risk for breast cancer. The estimated lifetime risk is between 33 - 58%.
  • Women with a PALB2 mutation may be at increased risk for ovarian cancer. 
  • Men and women with a PALB2 mutation are at slightly increased risk for pancreatic cancer. 
  • There is unknown or insufficient evidence of risk for other cancers in people with a PALB2 mutation. 

Graph of lifetime breast cancer risk in women with <abbr data-toggle='tooltip' class='glossary-tip tt-palb2' title='<p>PALB2 is a gene found on chromosome 16.&nbsp;Mutations in PALB2&nbsp;increase the risk for&nbsp;female breast and pancreatic cancer,&nbsp;and possibly other cancers.</p> ' >PALB2</abbr> mutations

clinical-trials

NCT02665195: Prospective 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 PALB2 mutations can enroll in PROMPT to help researchers learn more about cancer risks.