WWhat does genetics have to do with colon and rectal cancer?

Genes are the biochemical information that we inherit from each of our parents. They determine our varied physical features and may predispose us to certain diseases. Probably all cancers, especially colon and rectal cancer (CRC), have hereditary genetic factors that potentially increase an individual’s risk to developing these malignancies. In other words, genes are the reason why some diseases such as CRC occur more frequently in certain families. For this reason, when visiting a colon and rectal surgeon, it is important to provide a detailed family history with regard to cancer.

Are there different types of colon and rectal cancer?

From a genetic perspective, there are three broad classifications of CRC. The table below shows the respective proportion of each different classification.

Sporadic Colon Cancer	50-60 %
Familial Colon Cancer	30-40 %
Inherited Colon Cancer Syndromes	4-6 %

What is Sporadic Colon Cancer?

Sporadic colon cancer generally occurs in someone over age 60, without a prior family history of CRC. One in eighteen Americans will develop CRC. Patients who develop CRC as the first member of their family should be encouraged to inform relatives. People with a family history of colon rectal cancer should be advised to inquire about screening protocols at an earlier age.