Question 1

if i have polyps in my colon, should i have genetic testing to see if i will likely have colon cancer?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Ask your GI specialist about your risks to have a genetic mutation causing gardner syndrome (dark pigmentation, eye, tooth changes) or lynch syndrome (colon polyps without other physical changes). Gene testing is available for both and if positive, indicates very high risk for recurring colon cancer that often prompts colectomy.

Question 2

does genetic testing help to find out if my colon cancer is passed from my parents?

Accepted Answer

Could help: A person does not inherit cancer per se from their parents but they could inherit genes that make it much more likely to develop it. Genetic tests currently available can identify some of those genes and help the patient and their families make right decisions. You are very young and if you have colon cancer, you should be seen by a professional with expertise in this matter. Best to you.

Question 3

i'm a 34 yr old female.  my 63 y/o mother has colon cancer.  should i seek genetic testing?  what are the pros/cons re: the genetic testing for me?

Accepted Answer

Screening yes: But not genetic testing, just having one family member is not an indication for genetic testing, how ever with that history you should have screening colonoscopy on regular basis. Good luck.

Question 4

which type of genetic disorder is colon cancer?

Accepted Answer

Colon cancer: Most colon cancer is spontaneous arising from polyps in the colon. There are some genetic causes such as hnpcc or lynch family syndrome. Deletion of dcc gene, puetz -jhegers, and some others.

Question 5

are the people with family history/genetic factors the only ones who have colon cancer in their lower twenties?

Accepted Answer

No: The prevalence of identifiable genetic risk factors much higher among young people who get colon cancer. However, not all such young people have identifiable genetic risk factors. It's likely that many genetic abnormalities leading to cancer have not yet been discovered.

Question 6

are there genetic tests available to screen for colon cancer risk?

Accepted Answer

Yes: If you have a strong family history of colon cancer in several 1st degree relatives, you may be a candidate for genetic testing, however if the test is negative it just means you do not have a genetic predisposition to colon cancer. 80% of colon cancers occur in individuals with no family history and hence would have a negative genetic test.

Question 7

is colon cancer genetic?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes: Some colon cancers are related to specific genetic mutations but the majority are not.

Question 8

are there any genetic tests required (other than kras) for a 30 year old female with stage iii-b colon cancer after surgery and before adjuvant chemo?

Accepted Answer

Not required...: But someone so young with colon cancer should consider genetic testing for either non-polyposis or polyposis syndromes depending on the circumstances. This should be done by a specialist on genetic diseases. K-ras is done on cancer tissue whereas there others are blood tests. K-ras has to do with treatment of the cancer, the other tests can help choose  treatment but mostly affect cancer risk.

Question 9

what are the chances of a 26 year old with no family history of colon cancer and no genetic disorders having colorectal cancer or polyps?

Accepted Answer

Very low: However, I am curious why you ask.  I suspect it is because of rectal bleeding (mentioned in your conditions), which is a medical problem you need to get evaluated right away, to find out what is causing it.

Please see your doctor for a complete history and physical, and to get properly evaluated for your rectal bleeding and any other medical problems you may have.

Question 10

uncle had 3 colon polyps at 49, mother has never had any but their father had colon cancer at 87.no other colon in extended family.genetic problem?

Accepted Answer

Not likely: A usual indication of hereditary cancer is getting the disease before 40. Since none of your family members developed colon cancer before that age, it is not likely that you are genetically predisposed to it. Do get a screening colonoscopy at age 50.

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Doctor answers about:

Genetic testing colon cancer

A member asked:

If i have polyps in my colon, should i have genetic testing to see if i will likely have colon cancer?

A member asked:

Does genetic testing help to find out if my colon cancer is passed from my parents?

A member asked:

I'm a 34 yr old female. my 63 y/o mother has colon cancer. should i seek genetic testing? what are the pros/cons re: the genetic testing for me?

A member asked:

Which type of genetic disorder is colon cancer?

A member asked:

Are the people with family history/genetic factors the only ones who have colon cancer in their lower twenties?

A member asked:

Are there genetic tests available to screen for colon cancer risk?

A member asked:

Is colon cancer genetic?

A member asked:

Are there any genetic tests required (other than kras) for a 30 year old female with stage iii-b colon cancer after surgery and before adjuvant chemo?

A member asked:

What are the chances of a 26 year old with no family history of colon cancer and no genetic disorders having colorectal cancer or polyps?

A member asked:

Uncle had 3 colon polyps at 49, mother has never had any but their father had colon cancer at 87.no other colon in extended family.genetic problem?

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