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Gene Mutations
Review expert guidelines regarding who should consider genetic testing, how to find a genetics expert and how to move forward with testing.

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Hereditary Cancer and Genetic Testing > Genetic Testing Guidelines > Testing Guidelines > No Cancer > Gene Mutations

Guidelines for Testing Benefits of Testing Gene Mutations
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Genes Linked to Risk

The most common genes associated with risk are:

  • and are associated with an increased risk for breast, ovarian, pancreatic,  and other cancers. Estimates are that about 1 out of 500 people in the United States has an inherited or mutation. In Jewish people the risk is higher and about 1 in 40 people of Eastern European Jewish ancestry has a mutation in or . 
  • , , , , and are the gene responsible for . is associated with an increased risk for colon, endometrial (uterine) and other cancers. About 1 in 300 people in the United States has an in a  gene. 


Genes included in multi-gene panel tests 

Multi-gene panel tests look for inherited mutations in many genes at the same time. Most panels look for mutations in one or more of the following genes:

  • MUTYH

Different companies may include additional genes in their panel tests. A genetics expert can make sure that the most appropriate test is ordered based on your personal situation and family medical history. A genetic counselor can also make sure that your results are interpreted correctly. 

Last updated July 21, 2020