The American Cancer Society estimates that about 1 in 21 men and 1 in 23 women in the United States will develop colorectal cancer at some point in their lifetime. Knowing your family’s history is an especially important factor in early detection for many cancers, especially colorectal cancer. When it comes to colorectal cancer, your genetics play a huge role in determining whether you might be at a higher risk of developing the condition. In this article, we will discuss the genetic predisposition for colon cancer, including how to know if you have a gene for hereditary colon cancer.
What Is Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer, also referred to as bowel cancer, colon cancer, or rectal cancer, is any cancer that affects the colon and the rectum. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women and the third for men, but with early detection through screening techniques and improved awareness and advancements in colorectal cancer treatment, the number of deaths from colorectal cancer is steadily declining.
Is Colorectal Cancer Genetic?
When people have a family history of colorectal cancer, it can increase their chances of also developing the disease. Colorectal cancer is considered hereditary or genetic when members from multiple generations of a family have had colorectal cancer. There are a few gene mutations that can be passed down through generations that can increase the risk of family members carrying the gene to develop colorectal cancer.
Types Of Hereditary Colon Cancer
Lynch Syndrome
Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer (HNPCC), also known as Lynch syndrome, is the most common form of genetic colorectal cancer. Lynch Syndrome accounts for only about 2-3% of all colorectal cancer diagnoses each year. For people with the Lynch Syndrome gene, the likelihood of developing cancer is high, around 80%, though not everyone will get colorectal cancer.
Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP)
Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is a condition where a person can develop many non-cancerous polyps, which are growths in the large intestine. People with FAP can have hundreds and sometimes even thousands of these benign polyps on the intestine. Most people with FAP begin developing polyps earlier in life, usually by age 35. Because of the amount of polyps, there is an extremely high chance that some of the polyps will develop into cancer, usually by age 40.
The best way to fight back against genetic colorectal cancer is to know your risk factors and family history, and get regularly screened. If you are unsure if you carry a genetic mutation that puts you at risk for colorectal cancer, speak with your doctor or a colorectal specialist about genetic testing.