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Cancer occurring in the colon or rectum (colorectal) is the most common cancer in the United States. The occurrence of colon or rectal cancer in more than one family member may be due to chance alone. However, it could mean that the potential for developing colon or rectal cancer has been passed from one generation of the family to the next generation. This means that relatives of persons with colon or rectal cancer may be more likely to develop it themselves.

About 10% of all colon or rectal cancers are hereditary. Endometrial (uterine) cancer may also occur in women from families with hereditary colorectal cancer.
 

Genetic Testing

At this time, genetic testing for families with inherited colon cancer is available. A blood test for the genes that are known to cause colon cancer may be ordered by your doctor. Genetic testing is offered through research studies as well.

Genetic counseling is strongly recommended for people who may want to have this blood test.

Counseling services are available through genetics departments in many hospitals.

It is very important to share your family’s medical history with your doctor and to discuss it with family members.

For further information about hereditary colon or rectal cancer, your doctor may want to read the following articles:

Lynch, HT, Smyrk, T: Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer (Lynch Syndrome): An Updated Review. Cancer 1996; 78:1149-1167.

Marra G, Boland, CR: Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer: The Syndrome, The Genes, and Historical Perspectives. Journal of the National Cancer Institute; 1995; 87:1114-25.
 

Resources at Hopkins

If you have questions about this information, please contact the Coordinator of the Hereditary Colorectal Cancer Registry at (410) 955-3875.

If you would like to learn about services available at The Johns Hopkins Colon Cancer Center or if you would like to make an appointment, please contact the Referral Coordinator at (410) 614-LIFE (5433).

The Johns Hopkins Colon Cancer Center is located in The Johns Hopkins Outpatient Center on the campus of The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland.

Regular screening is important because colon or rectal cancer often develops before any symptoms occur. When symptoms of colon or rectal cancer do appear, they may include:

1. Bright red blood in the stool

2. Periods of diarrhea followed by constipation, not explained by diet or flu

3. Crampy pain in the stomach region

4. Pencil-thin stools

5. Persistent, unexplained weight loss

6. Unusual and continuing lack of energy
 

Because colon and rectal cancers are more easily treated before symptoms occur, we recommend that you follow the cancer screening guidelines included with this brochure. It is not safe to wait for symptoms to develop.