MUTYH: Options for Managing Cancer Risk
Risk Management for People with Inherited MUTYH Mutations
MUTYH-associated polyposis (MAP)
Experts guidelines on risk-management for people with MAP are listed below. Importantly, these risks and interventions do not apply to people who have a mutation in only one copy of their MUTYH gene. See below for the specific risk-management options for people with 1 MUTYH mutation.
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Beginning Age |
Recommendation |
|
25-30 |
Annual physical exam. |
|
25-30 (or earlier based on family history) |
High-quality colonoscopy. |
|
30-35 |
Baseline upper endoscopy (frequency of follow-up depends on number, size, and type of found), typically with a specialized scope that can evaluate the ampulla of Vater. |
|
For individuals with a personal history of cancer, and/or a high polyp burden |
Consider total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis, followed by scoping at least once yearly to screen remaining large bowel tissue. See our section on colectomy for a description of this procedure. |
|
No specified age |
Speak with your doctor about the benefits and risks of risk-reducing medications. |
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Source: NCCN Guidelines: Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Colorectal, Endometrial, and Gastric vs. 1, 2025. |
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Screening for other cancers in people with MUTYH-associated polyposis (MAP)
There isn’t enough research to show that people with MAP benefit from extra screening or prevention for other types of cancer. Because of this, experts recommend following general population screening guidelines and considering your family history when managing these risks. National guidelines exist for screening the following cancers:
Screening for people with a mutation in one of their MUTYH genes
For people with a mutation in one copy of their MUTYH gene, NCCN recommends following the same screening guidelines as people who do not have a mutation. These recommendations are based on age, family history and other known risk factors. National guidelines exist for screening the following cancers: