CDKN2A
Associated conditions:
- Nervous system/brain cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Melanoma
CDKN2A produces the p16 and p14 proteins, brakes that stop cells dividing out of control. Genetic changes in this gene are associated with an autosomal dominant condition and are the commonest cause of familial melanoma, also raising pancreatic cancer risk. Knowing your genetic status enables careful skin checks, strict sun protection and pancreatic screening.
Conditions linked to CDKN2A
Nervous system/brain cancer
Cancers of the nervous system and brain arise in the brain, spinal cord or their supporting tissues. Some inherited syndromes raise the risk of these tumours, so awareness supports prompt assessment of new neurological symptoms and, where indicated, imaging surveillance.
Pancreatic cancer
Pancreatic cancer arises in the pancreas and is often found late. Some inherited variants raise its risk, so carriers may be offered specialist surveillance (MRI or endoscopic ultrasound), which aims to catch changes at a more treatable stage.
Melanoma
Melanoma is a serious skin cancer that begins in pigment-producing cells and can also arise in the eye. Inherited variants raise lifetime risk, so carriers benefit from sun protection, regular skin (and sometimes eye) checks and prompt review of changing moles.
