PMS2 (Lynch Syndrome): Cancer Risks

If you have tested positive for a PMS2 mutation, we recommend speaking with a genetics expert who can assess your personal and family history of cancer, and can help you decide on a plan to manage your cancer risk.

People with an inherited PMS2 mutation have an increased lifetime risk for several cancers. Additionally, the cancers tend to occur at a younger age than people in the general population. The following are the most common cancers:

• colorectal 
  • lifetime risk of 8.7 - 20 percent compared to 4 percent in the general population.
  • average age of diagnosis is 61-66 compared to 68 - 72 in the general population. 
• endometrial 
  • lifetime risk of 13-26 percent compared to 3 percent in the general population.
  • average age of diagnosis is 49 - 50 compared to 60 in the general population.

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