Frequently Asked Questions

What are the criteria for Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colon Cancer (HNPCC)?

As established by the International Collaborative Group in 1991, the minimum criteria for research on HNPCC include:

at least 3 relatives with colorectal cancer, with a first-degree relative of the other 2;
at least 2 successive generations of affected individuals; and
colorectal cancer should be diagnosed before age 50 years in 1 of the relatives.

Not all affected individuals will meet these criteria as they were developed for research purposes.

Vasen, HF, Mecklin, J-P, Meera, KP, Lynch, HT (1991). Hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer. Lancet, 338, 877.