RAD51C: Options for Managing Risk
Risk Management for People with Inherited Mutations
People with mutations have options for managing their increased cancer risk. Experts at the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) created guidelines for people with a mutation to manage their cancer risk.
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 for managing your risk. Note that when we use "women" we are referring to people assigned female at birth.
NCCN guidelines for specific cancers are listed below. NCCN also recommends that people with an receive education on the signs and symptoms of these cancers.
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People with a mutation may also qualify for clinical trials looking for more effective screening or prevention for cancer.
Participate in Research
Beginning Age |
Recommendation |
Additional Information |
18 |
Learn to be aware of changes in your breasts. |
Based on NCCN guidelines for women of average risk |
25 |
Breast exam by doctor every 6-12 months. |
Based on NCCN guidelines for women of average risk |
40 (or earlier based on family history of breast cancer) |
Yearly mammogram. |
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40 (or earlier based on family history of breast cancer) |
Discuss the benefits, risks and costs of yearly breast MRI with and without contrast with your doctor. |
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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. |
75 |
Consider whether to continue, stop or change breast screening. |
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Source: NCCN Guidelines: Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Breast, Ovarian, Pancreatic, vs. 3 2024 |
Beginning Age |
Recommendation |
Additional Information |
45 - 50 |
Risk-reducing removal of ovaries and fallopian tubes (RRSO). Timing of surgery should take into account plans to have children. |
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45 - 50 |
Have a discussion with your doctor about the risks, benefits and costs of removing your uterus (hysterectomy) at the time of RRSO. |
The following factors may affect your decision about hysterectomy at the time of RRSO:
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Before age 50 |
Experts believe that most ovarian cancers begin in the fallopian tubes. Researchers are studying whether the removal of the fallopian tubes only (salpingectomy), while delaying oophorectomy until closer to the age of natural menopause is a safe option for lowering risk in people who are not ready to remove their ovaries. Guidelines recommend that people interested in this approach speak with their doctor about the benefits and risks, and consider enrolling in a research study. |
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No set age |
Speak with your doctor about the benefits, risks and timing of oral contraceptives or progestin intrauterine devices (IUD) to lower the risk for ovarian and fallopian tube cancers. |
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No set age |
Become aware of ovarian and primary peritoneal cancer symptoms. Report to any symptoms that persist for several weeks and are a change from normal to your doctor. Routine ovarian cancer screening using transvaginal ultrasound and a CA-125 blood test has not shown benefit and is not recommended. |
Symptoms of ovarian cancer include:
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Source: NCCN Guidelines: Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Breast, Ovarian, Pancreatic, vs. 1 2025 |
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 your family history. Cancer screening and prevention research studies may be available.
More Resources
Participate in Prevention Research
Below are some of our featured research studies looking at new ways to screen for, prevent or intercept cancer in people with mutations. To search for additional studies, visit our Search and Enroll Tool.
Screening Study for Men at High Genetic Risk for Prostate Cancer
Clinicaltrials.gov identifier:
NCT03805919
Prostate Cancer Genetic Risk Evaluation and Screening Study (PROGRESS)
Clinicaltrials.gov identifier:
NCT05129605
Helping Latinas Understand Their Risk for Breast Cancer and Get Breast Cancer Care
Clinicaltrials.gov identifier:
NCT05483283