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.
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 40 - 60 percent.
- Women with a PALB2 mutation have an increased risk for ovarian cancer. The estimated lifetime risk is between 3 - 5 percent.
- Men and women with a PALB2 mutation are at increased risk for pancreatic cancer. The estimated lifetime risk is 5 - 10 percent.
- There is unknown or insufficient evidence of risk for other cancers in people with a PALB2 mutation.
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.
Last updated September 04, 2021