Does colon cancer run in families?

Cancers can “run in the family” because of inherited genes, shared environmental factors, or some combination of these. Having family members who have had adenomatous polyps is also linked to a higher risk of colon cancer.

What percent of colon cancer is hereditary?

Approximately 5 to 10 percent of colon cancer is hereditary. The major hereditary colon cancer syndromes are Lynch syndrome (previously known as Hereditary Non-Polyposis Colorectal Cancer or HNPCC) and Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP). Other genes have also been implicated in hereditary colon cancer risk.

What is the most common age for colon cancer?

Older age. Colon cancer can be diagnosed at any age, but a majority of people with colon cancer are older than 50. The rates of colon cancer in people younger than 50 have been increasing, but doctors aren’t sure why.

What is the major cause of colon cancer?

The exact cause of colorectal cancer is not known, but certain risk factors are strongly linked to the disease, including diet, tobacco smoking and heavy alcohol use. Also, people with certain hereditary cancer syndromes or a family history of colorectal cancer have a high risk of developing the disease.

What does family history of colon cancer mean?

A family history of colon cancer means that you have an immediate family member (or multiple other family members) who’ve had colorectal cancer. This can put you at an increased risk for the disease.

How do you contract colon cancer?

Factors that may increase your risk of colon cancer include:

• Older age.
• African-American race.
• A personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps.
• Inflammatory intestinal conditions.
• Inherited syndromes that increase colon cancer risk.
• Family history of colon cancer.
• Low-fiber, high-fat diet.
• A sedentary lifestyle.

Is colon cancer more common in males?

Colorectal cancer is more common in men. Men and women are equally at risk for colon cancer, but men are more likely to get rectal cancer. Polyps.

When should you get a colonoscopy if you have a family history of colon cancer?

If you have a first degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) with a history of colon cancer, it’s recommended that you start getting screened at age 40 or 10 years earlier than your relative was diagnosed, whichever is earlier (For example, if your brother was diagnosed with colon cancer at age 35, you should start …

How often colonoscopy after 50 with family history?

Most people should get a colonoscopy at least once every 10 years after they turn 50. You may need to get one every 5 years after you turn 60 if your risk of cancer increases. Once you turn 75 (or 80, in some cases), a doctor may recommend that you no longer get colonoscopies.

What are the symptoms of colon cancer in males?

The symptoms of colon cancer are the same in men and women and include the following:

• Changes in bowel habits.
• Cramps and bloating.
• Feeling as though the bowels are not empty.
• Blood in the stool.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Fatigue.
• Shortness of breath.