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ATM Mutations: Cancer Risks

Learn about the cancer risks associated with mutations in the ATM gene. Stay up to date by signing up for our community newsletter.
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Cancer 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.


Cancer risk table

Cancer Type

Lifetime Risk with an ATM Mutation

Lifetime Risk for General Population

Notes

Breast cancer

21 - 24%

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

Pancreatic cancer

5 - 10%

1.7%

Ovarian cancer

2 - 3%

1.3%

Colorectal cancer

5 - 10%

4.1

More research is needed to confirm this link.

Source: NCCN Guidelines: Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Breast, Ovarian, Pancreatic, vs. 1 2025


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

More Resources


Participate in Treatment Research

The treatment studies below are enrolling people with mutations. To search for more studies, visit our Search and Enroll Tool

Stories from the Community


Watch Our Expert Webinars on Mutations

Webinar: What's new for people with ATM, CHEK2 or PALB2 mutations?

Webinar: Cancer Risks, Screening and Prevention for People with ATM, CHEK2, PALB2 and Other Genes

Last updated September 18, 2024