RAD51C Gene Mutations: Cancer Risk
Cancer Risks Associated with an Inherited Mutation
If you have tested positive for a mutation, we recommend consulting with a genetics expert who can assess your personal and family history of cancer and can help you decide on a plan to manage your risk. Note that when we use "women" we are referring to people assigned female at birth.
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
Breast cancer
- Women with a mutation have about a 20 percent lifetime risk for breast cancer. Women in the general population have about a 12.5 percent risk.
- In women who were diagnosed with breast cancer and who have not had double mastectomies, experts believe that the risk for a new breast cancer diagnosis within 10 years is very low (less than 2%) - similar to women without a mutation. More research is needed to prove this finding.
Ovarian, and primary peritoneal cancer
Women with a mutation have about a 10-15 percent lifetime risk for ovarian, or primary peritoneal cancer (these three cancers and their risks are related and are often referred to together as ovarian cancer).
Other cancer risks for people with a mutation
There is not yet enough research to conclude that a mutation is associated with an increased risk of other cancers. However, there is a approved for treating prostate cancer in people with a mutation found in their tumor. Research on the risk for cancer in people with mutations is ongoing.
Participate in Research
Inherited Cancer Registry (ICARE): Contribute to Research While Staying Informed
Clinicaltrials.gov identifier:
NCT03231891
Clinicaltrials.gov identifier:
NCT05287451