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

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.

Yes: A common test is the colaris test for lynch syndrome available through myriad. Another panel called colonext offers an even broader spectrum of tests for high risk genes and is available through ambry genetics. Talk to a knowledgable physician or genetic counselor to know the implications and possible interpretations of the testing and to determine if you are a good candidate,

Colon cancer risk: While there is available genetic test to check for hereditary colon cancer, the best person to have this test is one with colon cancer or + strong family history -who is suspected to carry certain mutation i.e. Diagnosed at young age, family history of colon cancer or other multiple cancers history in the family. This test would not be suggested to everybody as a screening test for colon cancer.