The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) introduced expanded NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®) to account for the advanced understanding of hereditary cancer risk in breast, ovarian, pancreatic, and prostate cancers.1
Samir Gupta, MD
“The recently updated NCCN Guidelines for Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Colorectal, Endometrial, and Gastric takes into account the latest published research and expert opinions from more than 30 experts on caring for [patients] with risk for hereditary cancer,” said Samir Gupta, MD, of the University of California, San Diego Moores Cancer Center and Chair of this NCCN Guidelines Panel. “For the first time, we feature enhanced recommendations for evaluation for endometrial and gastric cancer risk, including new recommendations for consideration for hereditary cancer screening for all individuals with newly diagnosed endometrial cancer…,” he noted.
Expanded Guidelines
Additional cancer types were added to the title and content for both guidelines. These updates were necessitated by the growing use of genetic testing in cancer prevention, screening, and treatment.
The NCCN Guidelines included information on when genetic testing is recommended, and which type of testing may be the most effective. They detailed which hereditary conditions and genetic mutations may be associated with an elevated cancer risk and included follow-up on how to manage patients who have the conditions. The guidelines indicated that next steps could include instructions for increased screening, even preventive surgeries, or other interventions.
Crystal S. Denlinger, MD, FACP
“These expanded guidelines reflect the recommendations from leading experts on genetic testing based on the latest scientific research across the cancer spectrum, consolidated into two convenient resources,” explained Crystal S. Denlinger, MD, FACP, Chief Executive Officer of the NCCN. “This information is critical for guiding shared decision-making between health-care providers and their patients, enhancing screening practices as appropriate, and potentially choosing options for prevention and targeted treatment choices.”
REFERENCE
1. NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®) for Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Breast, Ovarian, Pancreatic, and Prostate. Version 2.2025. Visit NCCN.org.
