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CHEK2: Options for Managing Cancer Risk

People with a CHEK2 mutation have options for managing their cancer risk. Learn about the screening and prevention guidelines. Stay up to date by signing up for our community newsletter.

Hereditary Cancer and Genetic Testing > Hereditary Cancer Genes and Risk > Risk Management and Treatment by Mutation > CHEK2 > Risk Management

CHEK2: The Basics CHEK2 Gene Mutations: Cancer Risk CHEK2: Options for Managing Cancer Risk CHEK2: Options for Cancer Treatment

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Risk Management for People with Inherited Mutations

Experts at the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) created guidelines for people with a mutation to manage their cancer risk. NCCN notes that some mutations (for example a mutation known as IIe157Thr) may be associated with lower breast cancer risks than other 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. Note that when we use "men" and "male" we are referring to people assigned male at birth. When we use the terms "women" and "female" we are referring to people assigned female at birth.

Breast cancer risk management for women and people assigned female at birth

Beginning Age	Recommendation	Additional Information
25	Learn to be aware of changes in your breasts.	Based on NCCN guidelines for women of average risk.
25	Breast exam by doctor every 1-3 years.	Based on NCCN guidelines for women of average risk.
30-35	Discuss the benefits, risks and costs of yearly breast MRI with and without contrast with your doctor.
40 (or earlier based on family history of breast cancer)	Yearly mammogram.
No set age	More research is needed to show whether people with inherited CHEK2 mutations benefit from risk-reducing mastectomy. Discuss with your doctor about the option of risk-reducing mastectomy based on your personal and family history of cancer.	Risk-reducing mastectomy lowers breast cancer risk by 90%, but has not been shown to improve survival. Even after double mastectomy, some breast tissue, and therefore cancer risk remains.
No set age	Discuss the benefits, risks and costs of medications to lower the risk for breast cancer with your doctor.	Tamoxifen or other estrogen-blocking drugs may lower breast cancer risk. Medications or vaccines are being studied in clinical trials.
Source: NCCN Guidelines: Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Breast, Ovarian, Pancreatic, vs. 1 2025

Breast cancer risk management for men and people assigned male at birth

Currently there are no guidelines on male breast cancer screening for people with a mutation. Speak with your doctor about the benefits and risks of screening.

cancer risk management

cancer risk

Research suggests that mutations may also increase the risk for cancer. More research is needed to better define the exact risk for people with a mutation.

Researchers are testing new approaches to cancer screening and prevention for high-risk people through clinical trials.

Screening Study for Men at High Genetic Risk for Prostate Cancer

cancer guidelines

Beginning Age	Recommendation
40	Have a conversation with your doctor about the potential benefits, risks, costs and limitations of screening for prostate cancer. If you choose to have screening, the guidelines recommend an annual digital rectal exam and Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test.
Source: NCCN Guidelines: Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Breast, Ovarian, Pancreatic, vs. 1 2025

Colon cancer screening and prevention

NCCN no longer recommends increased colorectal cancer screening for people with a mutation and no personal or family history of colorectal cancer. NCCN recommends following the same screening guidelines as people in the general population.

Other cancers

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 your family history. Cancer screening and prevention research studies may be available.