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Hereditary Colorectal Cancer Risk

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Colorectal Cancer > Cancer Risks

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Colorectal Cancer Risk

Who is at risk for colorectal cancer?

Everyone is at risk for colorectal cancer; the risk varies based on multiple factors including:

  • age
  • presence of an
  • personal and family history of cancer
  • other risk factors

Is colorectal cancer hereditary?

About 10 percent of people with colorectal cancer have an linked to increased cancer risk. Inherited mutations in the genes below increase the risk for colorectal cancer and can cause cancer to run in families. Genetic counseling and testing can help people learn if they are at high risk. 

Genes Linked to Colorectal Cancer Risk
APC, ATM*, BMPR1A, EPCAM, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, MUTYH, PMS2, POLE, PTEN, SMAD4, STK11, TP53

*More research is needed to learn the risk for people with mutations in this gene.

Other inherited mutations increase the risk of colorectal cancer. Most of these are rare. 

What else affects colorectal cancer risk?

Factors such as diet, weight, exercise, smoking and alcohol consumption can affect colorectal cancer risk in the general population and in people at high risk for cancer. More research is needed to understand how much these factors influence risk in people with inherited mutations.

Learn about colorectal cancer risk management and treatment

Learn about Risk Management Options

National expert guidelines for colorectal cancer risk management vary based on gene mutation and other factors that affect risk. Click on the button below to learn more about these guidelines.

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Learn about Treatment Options

People diagnosed with colorectal cancer may have different treatment options based on and genetic and results. Click on the button below to learn more about these treatment options.

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Last updated September 05, 2024