Risk management for people with inherited ATM mutations
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) provides risk management guidelines for people with ATM mutations. We recommend that you speak with a genetics expert, who can look at your personal and family history of cancer and can help you determine the best risk management plan. You can learn more about risk management options in our section on Screening and Risk Reduction by Cancer Type.
Breast cancer screening and prevention
For women with ATM mutations, experts recommend the following screening begining at age 40, or earlier based on the family history of breast cancer:
- yearly screening mammograms with 3-D mammography, if available
- Note: At this time there is not enough evidence to suggest that people with an ATM mutation need to avoid mammograms or other screening XRAYS as recommended by their doctors. See our Other Considerations section for information about the safety of XRAY exposure from mammograms in people with a single ATM mutation versus people with a mutation in both copies of their ATM gene.
- consider yearly MRI with contrast
Experts also recommend women with an ATM mutation have a discussion with their health care provider about the option of risk-reducing mastectomy based on their family history of breast cancer.
Ovarian cancer screening and prevention
There has not been enough research to show a benefit from ovarian cancer screening and prevention in women who have an ATM mutation. For this reason, experts recommend managing ovarian cancer risk based on family history of cancer.
Pancreatic cancer screening
The guidelines for pancreatic cancer screening for people with an ATM mutation include only people with a family history of pancreatic cancer.
- For ATM mutation carriers with a first- or second- degree relative with pancreatic cancer consider screening beginning at age 50 or 10 years younger than the age of diagnosis of the relative.
- For mutation carriers who choose pancreatic cancer screening, NCCN recommends that the screening be performed in an experienced facility, ideally under research conditions. Before undergoing screening, people should have a conversation with their doctor about the potential benefits, risks, costs and limitations of screening.
- Consider annual screening with contrast-enhanced MRI/MRCP (magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography) and/or EUS (endoscopic ultrasound).
- Consider enrolling in a research study looking at methods to screen for cancer, or agents to lower risk.
Other cancer screening and prevention
There has not been enough research to show a benefit from screening and prevention for other cancers in people who have an ATM mutation. For this reason, experts recommend managing these risks based on family history of cancer. Cancer screening and prevention research studies may be available for people with ATM mutations.
If you are a person with an ATM mutation, you can find peer support through the following resources:
- FORCE blog: Read stories submitted by people with ATM mutations
- Video: FORCE members from the ATM community
- FORCE's Peer Navigation Program will match you with a volunteer who shares your mutation and situation and provide you with a free resource guide.
- Register for the FORCE Message Boards to connect with others who share your situation. Once you register, you can post on the Share Your Mutation board to connect with other people who carry an ATM mutation and the Diagnosed With Cancer board to connect with other people who have been diagnosed.
- Contact the FORCE impact leaders in your area to link to local support groups and other resources.
- Attend a virtual support meeting in your area.
The following screening and prevention studies are open to people with an ATM mutation.
Prostate cancer
- NCT03805919: Men at High Genetic Risk for Prostate Cancer. This is a prostate cancer screening study using MRI in high risk men. This study is open to men with ATM and other mutations.
Pancreatic cancer
- NCT02206360: Pancreatic Cancer Early Detection Program. This pancreatic cancer screening study uses esopheal ultrasound to screen for pancreatic cancer in high risk people. The study is open to people with an ATM mutation or other mutation linked to increased cancer risk who also have a family history of pancreatic cancer.
- NCT03568630: Blood Markers of Early Pancreas Cancer. This pancreatic cancer study involves blood samples over time to look for biomarkers of pancreatic cancer in high risk people. The study is open to people with an ATM mutation or other mutation linked to increased cancer risk.
- NCT03693378: A Study of IMMray™ PanCan-d Test for Early Detection of Pancreatic Cancer in High-risk Groups. This pancreatic cancer screening study uses an experimental blood test to screen for pancreatic cancer in high risk people. The study is open to people with an ATM mutation or other mutation linked to increased cancer risk who also have a family history of pancreatic cancer.
Visit our Research Search and Enroll Tool to find additional prevention and screening studies.