How is colon cancer inherited?

Genes: Most colon cancers are not inherited. However, there is a subset which is associated with inherited genetic abnormalities such as hereditary polyposis a this hereditary non polyposis gene (hnpp). There are also syndromes that make you susceptible to a variety of different cancers including colon cancer such as lynch syndrome.

Genetics: There are inherited polyposis syndromes, and no polyposis syndromes. Most colon and rectal cancers diagnosed have no family history.

Not simple answer: Cancer is when a cell won't die but can still divide and grow and hide from immune system. This is caused by many gene defects most of which happen after we are born. Sometimes we can inherit a defective cell growth gene from a parent Increasing our risk of cancer and it usually shows up earlier. This is why people with first degree family members with colorectal cancer get colonoscopy at 40.