MLH1 (Lynch Syndrome): Cancer Risks
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Sign Up for FORCE NewslettersCancer 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. Note that when we use "men" and "women" we are referring to the sex you were assigned at birth.
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 |
Risk for cancer in people with an MLH1 mutation. Source: NCCN: Genetic/Familiar High-Risk Assessment: Colorectal, Endometrial, Gastric Version 1.2024. |
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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
- sex assigned at birth
- specific mutation
- personal and family health history
- diet, exercise, lifestyle and other factors