What It Means If Colon Cancer Runs in Your Family

Colon cancer develops when abnormal cells in the large intestine are developing uncontrollable, often starting as small growth (polyps) which can become cancerous over time. Some people inherit genes (features transmitted to families) which can Increase their risk of developing colon cancer. Age, diet and other health and lifestyle factors can also play a role.

When Several family members are developing colon cancerIt is considered hereditary colon cancer. Parents carrying certain mutations of genes (changes in genes that affect cell growth) can transmit them to their children. These genetic mutations make it more likely that abnormal cells develop in the colon, increasing the risk of colon cancer. About 10% of all colon cancers are inherited and linked to specific hereditary conditions.

The two main genetic conditions that increase your risk are Lynch syndrome and family adenomatous polyposis (FAP).

Lynch syndrome

Lynch syndrome occurs when Inherited gene changes disrupt the body’s ability to repair DNA (The material that stores genes), allowing abnormal cells to develop and divide more easily. People with Lynch syndrome have a life risk of colon cancer of around 50%, depending on the type of gene involved.

Family polyposis (FAP)

The FAP is less common but is associated with a high risk of colon cancer –Almost all people with FAP develop colon cancer at the age of 40. This happens because they cultivate hundreds or thousands of colon polyps, and these polyps almost always progress towards cancer unless the colon is removed to prevent it.

While around 10% of colon cancer cases are linked to a clear hereditary state, up to 20% of people present a higher genetic risk of the disease. When several parents have a history of colon cancer, it indicates hereditary genetic risk even without defined syndrome. If your grandparent, parent or brother has had colon cancer, your own risk may be higher.

In addition to genetics, lifestyle and health factors also affect your risk of developing colon cancer, especially::

• Age (the risk increases after the age of 50)
• A low fiber diet and rich in red or transformed meat
• A sedentary lifestyle
• Alcohol or tobacco consumption
• Type 2 diabetes
• Inflammatory intestine disease (Mii)
• A story of radiation to the abdominal or pelvic area

Three ways to better understand your risk of colon cancer include:

• Family history: Ask your loved ones if someone had colon or related cancer cancer, such as uterine, ovary or stomach cancer. Gather information for at least three generations-including yourself and your brothers and sisters, your parents, your grandparents, aunts and uncles. Ask what type of cancer they were diagnosed and how old they were at the time. This information gives your doctor important clues to your inherited risk.
• Genetic advice: If you have several parents with colon cancer or if family members have been diagnosed before the age of 50, your doctor may recommend genetic advice or previous screening. The genetic council is generally done with a blood sample and can show if you wear a known hereditary syndrome. A genetic advisor can explain the process, examine the results and discuss what it means for you and your family.
• Cancer projections: Even when no specific hereditary syndrome is identified, your doctor may recommend screening earlier or more frequent if colon cancer works in your family. Coloscopies are the most effective screening tool because they can both detect and eliminate precancerous polyps during the same procedure.