Who is at risk? What are the risks?
Colorectal Cancer: Although everyone has a chance of developing
colon cancer at some point in their life, this chance is increased
for people who belong to hereditary colon cancer families. Every
son, daughter, sister, and brother of an individual affected by
hereditary colon cancer is considered to be at "increased risk"
for developing colon cancer. There is no absolute number that can
be given- each person's individual risk is different depending
on many factors, including your age, and which relatives are affected
by cancer. It is important for you and your doctor to find out what
your risk is, so that you can take steps to prevent colon cancer.
Endometrial Cancer: Women in families with this disease
have an increased chance of developing cancer of the endometrium
(lining of the uterus or womb). This cancer is treated by removing
the uterus (a hysterectomy) and is usually found because of abnormal
bleeding, either between menstrual periods or after menopause. Screening
programs for endometrial cancer are being developed, so that this
disease can be caught at an early stage when the chance of a cure
is very high.
Other Types of Cancer: Everyone has a chance of developing
cancer, regardless of their family history. However, for families
with hereditary colon cancer, there may be an increased risk for
cancer to develop in certain organs: the stomach, kidney, bladder,
small bowel, and ovary.
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