NORTHFIELD, Ill. (June 17, 2026)— Major updates to breast cancer reporting protocols are now available through the latest release of the College of American Pathologists (CAP) Cancer Protocols, incorporating the newest World Health Organization (WHO) classifications and reporting guidance into some of the most used cancer reporting tools.
The CAP Q2 2026 release includes revisions to eight cancer protocols, with extensive updates to breast ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and invasive breast cancer biopsy and resection protocols. The changes enhance tumor characterization, grading, extent, and additional lesion reporting while aligning pathology reporting with WHO 6th Edition recommendations.
Beyond breast cancer, the release includes refinements to kidney cancer protocols, including grading updates and simplified tumor size reporting, as well as updates to head and neck protocols for HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancers and mucosal melanoma.
CAP Cancer Protocols are updated quarterly to reflect evolving guidance from leading standard-setting organizations, including the WHO and the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC). These evidence-based tools help pathologists deliver accurate, standardized cancer reports that support diagnosis, staging, treatment decisions, and patient care.
Several updates included in the Q2 release are required for laboratory accreditation and may affect accreditation implementation timelines. Protocols incorporating WHO updates may also have associated accreditation effective dates. A full Summary of Revisions is available on cap.org.
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About the College of American Pathologists
As the world’s largest organization of board-certified pathologists and leading provider of laboratory accreditation and proficiency testing programs, the College of American Pathologists (CAP) serves patients, pathologists, and the public by fostering and advocating excellence in the practice of pathology and laboratory medicine worldwide. For more information, visit the CAP Newsroom, CAP.org and yourpathologist.org to watch pathologists at work and see the stories of the patients who trust them with their care.