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Risk Management
Read about different genes that are linked to hereditary cancer, their associated risks and guidelines for screening, preventing and treating cancers in people with inherited mutations in these genes.
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.
| Beginning age | Recommendation |
|---|---|
|
25-30 |
High quality colonoscopy every 1-2 years, depending on findings. |
| 25-30 | Annual physical exam; baseline thyroid (frequency of follow-up depends on findings). |
| 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 ampullar of Vater. |
| For individuals with a personal history of cancer, and/or a high polyp burden | Consider total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis, followed by sigmoidoscopy 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. |
Screening for people with a mutation in one of their MUTYH genes
| People with a mutation in only one copy of their MUTYH gene who have a first degree relative with colorectal cancer are recommended to begin colorectal cancer screening at age 40 (or younger depending on family history of cancer). Recommendations include a high-quality colonoscopy every 5 years. |
Last updated February 13, 2022
Related Resources
The following resources focus on FAP, AFAP and MAP:
- FORCE blog: Hereditary Colorectal Cancer: My AFAP Story
- Genetics Home Reference is a site from the U.S. Library of Medicine that provides consumer-friendly information about the effects of inherited mutations in APC and MUTYH on people's health.
- Colorectal Cancer Alliance is a nonprofit organization with a focus on colorectal cancer treatment, detection and prevention.
- 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 you register, you can post on the Diagnosed With Cancer board to connect with other people who have been diagnosed.
- Our moderated, private Facebook group allows you to connect with other community members 24/7.
updated: 02/08/2022