PTEN Mutations: Cancer Risks
Cancer Risks Associated with Inherited Mutations
People with an inherited have an increased lifetime risk of developing several types of cancer. A person with a mutation has about an 85% 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.
- gender.
- specific mutation.
- personal and family health history.
- diet, exercise, lifestyle and other factors.
|
Cancer Type |
Risk to Age 80 with a Mutation |
Lifetime Risk for General Population |
|
Breast cancer |
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; v. 1, 2025; NCCN Guidelines: Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Breast, Ovarian, Pancreatic, , v. 1, 2026 |
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May 29, 2026
Written by Rebekah Wells on behalf of FORCE One mother and her adult daughters share what they learned—and what they wish they’d known—about navigating genetic testing and learning about their inherited PTEN mutation together. Note: To...
May 29, 2026
When Your Child Faces Genetic Testing (Part 2): Four More Ways to Support Your Adult Child
Written by Rebekah Wells on behalf of FORCE In Part 1, one family shared the importance of learning to let their adult children lead when it came to their genetic testing and decisions. For this family, two adult daughters tested positive for...