Cancer Risk Associated with Inherited CDK2NA Mutations

If you have tested positive for an inherited CDKN2A mutation, we recommend that you speak with a genetics expert  who can look at your personal and family history of cancer and can help you choose the best plan for managing your cancer risk.

• People who have a CDKN2A mutation have between a 28% - 76% lifetime risk of developing melanoma depending on other factors, including family history, where they live and other genetic factors. The lifetime risk for melanoma in someone without a mutation is about 2.5 percent. People with a CDKN2A mutation:
  • often develop melanomas at a young age (before the age of 50).
  • may develop two or more melanomas during their life.  
• People with a CDKN2A mutation have more than a 15% percent lifetime risk of developing pancreatic cancer. 
• Risks may be higher for people with close relatives who have been diagnosed with melanoma or pancreatic cancer. 
• Some studies suggest that smoking may increase cancer risks in people with CDKN2A mutations.

It is important to note that cancer risks are estimates over the course of a person's lifetime. Your risk will vary, depending on your:

• current age
• sex assigned at birth
• specific mutation
• personal and family health history
• diet, exercise, lifestyle and other factors