PTEN Gene Mutations: Cancer Risks
Cancer Risks Associated with Inherited Mutations
People with an inherited have a greatly increased lifetime risk of developing several types of cancer. A person with a mutation has about an 85 percent chance for developing any type of cancer in their lifetime. The risks for cancer tend to happen at a younger age compared to people who do not have a mutation.
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 help you decide on a plan for managing your cancer risk.
It is important to note that cancer risks are estimates over the course of a person's lifetime. Your risk will vary, depending on your:
- current age
- sex assigned at birth
- specific mutation
- personal and family health history
- diet, exercise, lifestyle and other factors
Note that when we use "men" we are referring to people assigned male at birth. When we use "women" we are referring to people assigned female at birth.
Cancer Type |
Risk to Age 80 with a PTEN Mutation |
Lifetime Risk for General Population |
Breast cancer in people assigned female at birth |
41% - 60% |
12.5% |
Endometrial cancer |
28% |
3.1% |
Thyroid cancer (and benign thyroid growths) |
35% |
1% |
Kidney cancer |
up to 34% |
1 - 2% |
Colorectal |
9 - 20% |
2.4% |
Melanoma |
6% |
2.5% |
Source: NCCN Guidelines: Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Colorectal, Endometrial, and Gastric; v1. 2 2024 |