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CDKN2A: Risk Management

People with a CDKN2A mutation have options for managing their cancer risk. Learn about the screening and prevention guidelines for people with a mutation in their CDKN2A gene.

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Risk Management for People with Inherited CDKN2A Mutations

The following are risk management guidelines for people with CDKN2A mutations. We also recommend that you speak with a genetics expert who can look at your personal and family history of cancer and can help you determine the best risk management plan. You can learn more about risk management options in our section on Screening and Risk Reduction by Cancer Type.

Melanoma screening and prevention guidelines

Beginning Age	Recommendation
10	Perform monthly self-exams to look for skin changes. Have a friend or family member help with hard to see areas of the body. Watch moles closely for any signs of change in shape, size, or color. Twice yearly dermatologist exam should include mole mapping, or full body photography. Doctors may also view moles with a hand-held device known as a dermatoscope. Any suspicious moles or other skin changes should be removed by a doctor so the tissue can be analyzed by a pathologist. Practice sun safety and take protective steps when outdoors. Avoid being outside during the peak sun exposure hours between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, seek shade when available, use sunscreen frequently, wear a hat with a brim at least 3 inches wide that extends all the way around the head, and wear protective clothing that covers the arms and legs. In people that have had melanoma, thorough skin exams by a dermatologist should be done every month depending on several factors, including number of moles, time since diagnosis, skin type and melanoma type.
Source: CDKN2A Mutations: Cancer Risk and Management Recommendations 2020 (2020). UT Southwestern Harold C: Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Pancreatic cancer screening options

There are two tests that are used to look for pancreatic cancer in high-risk people.

MRCP (Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography) is a special type of imaging that looks closely at the pancreas, liver, gallbladder, bile duct and pancreatic duct to find abnormalities such as cancer.
EUS (Endoscopic ) involves passing a tiny scope with an attached probe down the esophagus to the stomach. This allows doctors to look closely at the pancreas.

Pancreatic cancer screening guidelines

Beginning Age	Recommendation
40 (or 10 years younger than the earliest case of pancreatic cancer in the family)	Annual screening for pancreatic cancer with MRI/MRCP or EUS. Before undergoing screening, people should have a conversation with their doctor about the potential benefits, risks, costs and limitations of screening. Pancreatic cancer screening should be performed at hospitals with experience managing patients at high risk for pancreatic cancer.
Source: NCCN Guidelines: Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Breast, Ovarian, Pancreatic, vs. 3 2024.

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 CDKN2A mutations. To search for additional studies, visit our Search and Enroll Tool.