Hereditary Cancer Genes and Risk > By Gene Mutation > CHEK2 > Risk Management
Risk management for people with inherited CHEK2 mutations
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) provides risk management guidelines for men and women with CHEK2 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
- Annual mammogram (consider 3D mammography, if available) beginning at age 40 or 5-10 years younger than the earliest age of diagnosis in the family (but no later than age 40).
- Consider annual breast MRI with contrast beginning at age 40 or 5-10 years younger than the earliest age of diagnosis in the family.
- There is not enough evidence of benefit from risk-reducing mastectomy (RRM) for women with CHEK2 mutations. Experts recommend consideration of mastectomy be based on family history of breast cancer.
- There are no current guidelines on breast cancer screening for men with a CHEK2 mutation. Men should speak with their doctor about the benefits and risks of screening.
Colon cancer screening and prevention
- Colonoscopy every 5 years beginning at age 40 (or 5-10 years earlier than the age of diagnosis of a close relative with colon cancer).
If you are a person with a CHEK2 mutation, you can find peer support through the following resources:
- FORCE blog: Read stories submitted by people with CHEK2 mutations
- Video: FORCE members with a CHEK2 mutation
- 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 a CHEK2 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.
- FORCE's eXaming the Relevance of Articles for You (XRAY) program looks behind the headlines of cancer news to help you understand what the research means for you.
- Webinar: Colorectal cancer screening and prevention in high-risk individuals
The following are screening and prevention studies open to people with a CHEK2 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 CHEK2 and other mutations.
Visit our Research Search and Enroll Tool to find additional prevention and screening studies.