Risk management for people with inherited mutations
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) provides risk management guidelines for people with 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 decide on a plan to manage your risk. You can learn more about risk management options in our section on Screening and Risk Reduction by Cancer Type.
cancer screening
Experts recommend:
- By age 40, you should have a conversation with your doctor about the potential benefits, risks, costs and limitations of screening for cancer.
- If you choose to have screening, the guidelines recommend an annual digital rectal exam and Specific Antigen () test.
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 a mutation. For this reason, experts recommend managing these risks based on family history of cancer.
Get Support
FORCE offers many peer support programs for people with inherited mutations.
- Our Message Boards allow people to connect with others who share their situation. Once registered, you can post on the Diagnosed With Cancer board to connect with other people who have been diagnosed.
- Our Peer Navigation Program will match you with a volunteer who shares your mutation and situation.
- Our moderated, private Facebook group allows you to connect with other community members 24/7.
- Check out our virtual and in-person support meeting calendar.
- Join one of our Zoom community group meetings.
updated: 08/06/2022
Related Resources
The following resources focus on cancer.
- FORCE cancer resources:
- Information: cancer treatment
- XRAY reviews: cancer
- Video: What's New in Cancer Treatment?
- Video: Sexuality and Intimacy Issues for Men
- Video play list: cancer
- Blog category: cancer
- Malecare has extensive resources for people with cancer.
- National Comprehensive Cancer Network free patient guides:
updated: 08/06/2022
Open Clinical Trials
The following are studies looking at ways to screen for cancer in people at high risk:
- NCT05129605: Cancer Genetic Risk Evaluation and Screening Study (PROGRESS). This study will look at how enhanced cancer screening using will improve early detection rates and further understanding of how inherited mutations can lead to development of cancer.
- NCT03805919: Men at High Genetic Risk for Cancer. This is a cancer screening study using in high risk men. This study is open to men with an in any of the following genes: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , or FANCA.
- NCT04472338: Screening for Men With Inherited Risk of Developing Aggressive Cancer, PATROL Study. This study is looking at ways to detect cancer earlier in men who are at increased genetic risk of developing cancer that forms, grows, or spreads quickly (aggressive). The study is open to men with mutations associated with cancer risk.
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NCT05608694: Screening in Men at High Risk of Developing Cancer. The purpose of this study is to determine whether or not Magnetic Resonance Images () will identify high-grade cancers earlier and more frequently in men at high risk of developing cancer.
updated: 03/12/2023