Stay up to date on research and information
Sign Up for FORCE NewslettersCancer Risks Associated with Inherited Mutations
People with an mutation have a higher risk for several types of cancer. These cancers tend to happen at a younger age than in people without a mutation.
The risks listed below are estimates based on different research studies. To understand more about your personal risk, 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 risk.
Note that when we use "men" and "women" we are referring to the sex you were assigned at birth.
Participate in Research
Cancer risk table
Cancer Type |
Lifetime Risk with an ATM Mutation |
Lifetime Risk for General Population |
Notes |
20-30% |
12.5% |
People with a common ATM mutation known as c.7271T>G variant may have a higher risk for breast cancer than people with other variants. |
|
Risk for 2nd breast cancer diagnosis in women who were previously diagnosed with breast cancer |
4% risk within 10 years of initial diagnosis |
Applies to women who have not had bilateral mastectomy |
|
5-10% |
1.5% |
||
2-3% |
1.3% |
||
Source: NCCN Guidelines: Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Breast, Ovarian, Pancreatic, vs. 3 2024 |
|||
Other cancers
Research suggests that mutations may also increase the risk for cancer. More research is needed to better define the lifetime risks for other cancers in people with an mutation. For this reason, genetics experts often look at a family’s history of cancer to help people with mutations understand their risk for additional cancers.
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
Related Resources
The following resources focus on people with mutations.
- FORCE resources:
- Information: gene mutations
- Video: What's new for people with , or mutations?
- Video: Genes Associated with Risk: Live Q&A Panel
- Video: Cancer Risks, Screening & Prevention for People w/ , , & Other Genes
- Blog category:
- XRAY category:
- Video: Meet Two Members of FORCE's Community
Open Clinical Trials
NCT02665195: 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 inherited mutations can enroll in PROMPT to help researchers learn more about cancer risks.
Get Support
FORCE offers many peer support programs for people with inherited mutations.
- Our Message Boards allow people to connect with others who share their situation. Once registered, you can post on the Diagnosed With Cancer board to connect with other people who have been diagnosed.
- Our Peer Navigation Program will match you with a volunteer who shares your mutation and situation.
- Our moderated, private Facebook group allows you to connect with other community members 24/7.
- Check out our virtual and in-person support meeting calendar.
- Join one of our Zoom community group meetings.