PTEN Gene Mutations: Cancer Risks
Cancer Risks Associated with Inherited Mutations
People with an inherited have a greatly increased lifetime risk of developing several types of cancer. A person with a mutation has about an 85 percent 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 PTEN 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. 3, 2024; NCCN Guidelines: Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Breast, Ovarian, Pancreatic, Prostate, v. 3, 2025. |
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