RAD51C Gene Mutations: Cancer Risk

Cancer Risks Associated with an Inherited RAD51C Mutation

If you have tested positive for a RAD51C 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 RAD51C 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:

• current age
• gender
• specific mutation
• personal and family health history
• diet, exercise, lifestyle and other factors

Breast cancer

• Women with a RAD51C mutation have about a 20 percent lifetime risk for breast cancer. Women in the general population have about a 12.5 percent risk.  
• More research is needed to understand the risk for a new breast cancer diagnosis in women with RAD51C mutations who have had breast cancer and have not had double mastectomies. Some data suggests that the risk for a new breast cancer diagnosis within 10 years is very low (less than 2%) - similar to women without a mutation. 

Ovarian, fallopian tube and primary peritoneal cancer

Women with a RAD51C mutation have about a 10-15 percent lifetime risk for ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer (these three cancers and their risks are related and are often referred to together as ovarian cancer).    

Other cancer risks for people with a RAD51C mutation

There is not yet enough research to conclude that a RAD51C mutation is associated with an increased risk of other cancers. However, there is a targeted therapy approved for treating metastatic prostate cancer in people with a RAD51C mutation found in their tumor. Research on the risk for cancer in people with RAD51C mutations is ongoing.    

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