RAD51C Gene Mutations: Cancer Risk
Cancer Risks Associated with an Inherited Mutation
If you have tested positive for a mutation, we recommend consulting 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 risk.
Experts at the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) created guidelines which estimate the cancer risks for people with mutations. These cancer risk estimates are updated based on the latest research.
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 your:
- current age.
- gender.
- specific mutation.
- personal and family health history.
- diet, exercise, lifestyle and other factors.
|
Cancer Type |
Lifetime Risk with a Mutation |
Lifetime Risk for General Population |
Notes |
|
About 20% |
12.5% |
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Risk for 2nd breast cancer diagnosis in women who were previously diagnosed with breast cancer |
Some research suggests that the risk for a new breast cancer diagnosis within 10 years is less than 2% - similar to women with no mutation. |
More research is needed to confirm this. This applies to women who have not had mastectomy. An individual's risk will vary based on their age of diagnosis, family history and other factors. |
|
|
10-15% |
1.1% |
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Source: NCCN Guidelines: Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Breast, Ovarian, Pancreatic, v. 1, 2026. |
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Other cancer risks for people with a mutation
There is not yet enough research to conclude that a mutation is associated with an increased risk of other cancers. However, for people with prostate cancer, there are targeted therapies approved for treating people with mutations in . Research on a connection between other types of cancers and mutations is ongoing.