Hereditary Cancer Management Guidelines

Management guidelines have been developed for several types of hereditary cancer susceptibility. However, guidelines do not exist for all hereditary cancers or all moderate-risk genes. For example, there are no widely accepted guidelines for pancreatic cancer screening. Guidelines do change regularly, so be sure to check for updates prior to using them for patient care.

The following organizations provide guidance for management for individuals at increased and high risk for cancer. Those that provide a guideline for a specific cancer type (breast, colorectal or prostate) are included in the charts below. These same groups, as well as others, may have published recommendations on when to consider genetic testing for hereditary cancer risk.

American Academy of Family Physicians, American Cancer Society, American College of Gastroenterology, American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists, American College of Physicians, American Society of Clinical Oncology, National Comprehensive Cancer Network, US Multi Society Task Force (includes American College of Gastroenterology, American Gastroenterological Association, and American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy), and US Preventive Services Task Force.

Management Guidelines Based on Genetic or Familial Risk

Breast Cancer

* The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) requires a free registration to access guidelines. These guidelines are frequently updated.

Colon Cancer

* The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) requires a free registration to access guidelines

Prostate Cancer

* The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) requires a free registration to access guidelines

Updated June 2023