MSH2: Cancer Risks
Cancer Risks Associated with Inherited Mutations
People with an mutation have . mutations increase the risk for colorectal, endometrial and other types of cancer listed in the table below.
If you or a relative have tested positive for an mutation, we recommend speaking with a genetics expert. They can look at your personal and family medical history to help you understand and decide on a plan for managing your risk.
August 24, 2020
Cancer risk table
Cancer Type |
Lifetime Risk with an MSH2 Mutation |
Lifetime Risk for General Population |
Average Age of Onset with MSH2 |
Average Age of Onset in General Population |
Colorectal |
33-52% |
4.1% |
44 years |
68-72 years |
Endometrial |
21-57% |
3.1% |
47-48 years |
60 years |
Ovarian |
8-38% |
1.1% |
43 years |
63 years |
Kidney/ureter |
2.2-28% |
Unknown |
54 - 61 years |
No data |
Bladder |
4.4 - 12.8% |
2.4% |
59 |
73 years |
Gastric |
0.2-9% |
0.8% |
52 years |
68 years |
Small bowel |
1.1 - 10% |
0.3% |
48 years |
60s - 70s |
Prostate |
3.9 - 23.8% |
12.6% |
59 - 63 years |
66 years |
Brain |
2.5 - 7.7% |
0.5% |
No data |
59 years |
Biliary tract |
0.02-1.7% |
0.2% |
57 years |
No data |
Risk for cancer in people with an inherited EPCAM mutation. Source: NCCN Guidelines: Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Colorectal, Endometrial, Gastric vs. 1 2024 |
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Other cancers
People with an inherited mutation may have an increased risk for other cancers. The exact risks for the following cancers are unknown:
- pancreatic cancer
- sebaceous skin growths
- female 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