Cancer Institute
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Hereditary cancer risk factors



While all of us have some risk of developing cancer, a small percentage are born with a higher risk of specific types of cancer due to the family genes we inherit from our parents. We've pulled together a few hereditary red flags that can help you determine if you could be one of them.



Breast and ovarian

Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC)*

  • Personal history of breast cancer:
  • In a male
  • Under 45
  • Under 50 with one or more family members** with an HBOC cancer
  • Under 50 with a second primary at any age
  • Under 60 with triple negative
  • Any age with Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry
  • Any age with two or more family members with an HBOC cancer
  • Personal history of ovarian cancer

*HBOC-related cancers include breast, ovarian, pancreatic and prostate (Gleason score = 7+)

Family history:
  • A family member meets HBOC criteria
  • An identified genetic mutation in the family


Colorectal and polyps


Lynch syndrome***

Personal history of endometrial or colorectal cancer:

  • Under 50
  • Under 60 with MSI-H histology
  • Any age with a second Lynch-related cancer
  • Any age with one or more first-degree relatives with a Lynch-related cancer
  • Any age with two or more first or second degree relatives with a Lynch-related cancer

Polyposis

  • Personal history of 10 to 20+ cumulative colorectal polyps (adenomas)

***Lynch-related cancers include colorectal, endometrial, ovarian, gastric, pancreatic, small intestine, brain tumors, liver and urinary tract

Family history:
  • A family member meets Lynch syndrome criteria
  • An identified genetic mutation in the family