Genes linked to inherited cancer risk

The most common genes associated with inherited cancer risk are:

• BRCA1 and BRCA2 are associated with an increased risk for breast, ovarian, pancreatic, prostate and other cancers. Estimates are that about 1 out of 500 people in the United States has an inherited BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. In Jewish people the risk is higher and about 1 in 40 people of Eastern European Jewish ancestry has a mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2. 
• EPCAM, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2 are the gene responsible for Lynch syndrome. Lynch syndrome is associated with an increased risk for colon, endometrial (uterine) and other cancers. About 1 in 300 people in the United States has an inherited mutation in a Lynch syndrome gene. 

Genes included in multi-gene panel tests 

Multi-gene panel tests look for inherited mutations in many genes at the same time. Most panels look for mutations in one or more of the following genes:

Different companies may include additional genes in their panel tests. A genetics expert can make sure that the most appropriate test is ordered based on your personal situation and family medical history. A genetic counselor can also make sure that your results are interpreted correctly.