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Hereditary Cancer and Genetic Testing > Hereditary Cancer Genes and Risk > Risk Management and Treatment by Mutation > MLH1 (Lynch syndrome) > Cancer Risk

MLH1 (Lynch Syndrome): Cancer Risks

People with a mutation in the MLH1 gene have Lynch syndrome and an increased risk for several types of cancer. Learn about these cancer risks. Stay up to date by signing up for our community newsletter.
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Cancer Risk Associated with Inherited Mutations

If you have tested positive for an  mutation, we recommend speaking with a genetics expert who can look at your personal and family history of cancer, and can help you decide on a plan for managing your risk. 

cancer risks include the following:

Cancer Type
Lifetime Risk with MLH1 Mutation
Lifetime Risk in General Population
Average Age of Diagnosis with MLH1 Mutation
Average Age of Diagnosis in General Population
Colorectal
46 - 61%
4.1%
44 years
68 - 72 years
Endometrial
34 - 54%
3.1%
49 years
60 years
Ovarian
4 - 20%
1.1%
46 years
63 years
Kidney/ureter
0.2 - 5%
1.2%
59 - 60 years
Not specified
Prostate
4.4 - 13.8%
12.6%
63 years
66 years
Bladder
2 - 7%
2.3%
59 years
73 years
Gastric
5 - 7%
0.8%
52 years
68 years
Small bowel
0.4 - 11%
0.3%
47 years
60s - 70s
Brain
0.7 - 1.7%
0.5%
No data
59 years
Biliary tract
1.9 - 3.7%
No data
50 years
70 - 72 years
Pancreatic
6.2%
1.5%
No data
71 years
Source: NCCN Guidelines: Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Colorectal, Endometrial, and Gastric; v3, 2024.

People with an inherited  mutation may have an increased risk for other cancers. The exact risks for the following cancers are unknown:

  • sebaceous skin growths
  • breast cancer 

Research on how inherited mutations in the  gene affect cancer risk is ongoing.

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
  • gender
  • specific mutation
  • personal and family health history
  • diet, exercise, lifestyle and other factors

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Last updated March 18, 2025