Who are the people that are prone to colon cancer?

Colon cancer: Some people have hereditary factors that make them be more prone to develop polyps in the colon. The natural history of some polyps are to eventually turn into cancer and spread into other areas of the colon. Prevention of colon cancer in these individuals can be accomplished by finding the polyps while they are still benign and removing them. This is accomplished by periodic colonoscopies.

Anyone, esp +family: Average risk is about 6%. The risk increases if (+) family history, esp. If immediate family, and multiple members, younger than age 50, personal hist of polyps. Some kindreds have increased risks (genetic abnormality sets them up): multiple family members in multiple generations; associated cancers, including breast, ovarian, some types of kidney; history of inflam. Bowel diseases. Get checked.