Hereditary Colon Cancer

Definition:

Hereditary colon cancer accounts for about five percent of cases and is attributed to genetic mutations passed from one generation to the next. People who carry genetic mutations linked to hereditary colon cancer are likely to develop the disease.

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC) are the most common types of hereditary colon cancer.

For more information on hereditary colon cancer, please read Genetics and Colorectal Cancer Risk.

Sources:

1. Colon Cancer: How is Colon Cancer Inherited? Genetic Health. 4 Aug. 2000. 23 Jun. 2006 [http://www.genetichealth.com/CRC_Colon_Cancer_Does_Colon_Cancer_Run_in_Families.shtml].
   
2. Colon Cancer: What Causes Colon Cancer? eHealthMD. Oct. 2004. 23 Jun. 2006 [http://www.ehealthmd.com/library/colon-cancer/Colon-Cancer_causes.html].
   
3. Detailed Guide: Colon and Rectum Cancer: What Are the Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer? American Cancer Society. 7 Mar. 2006. 23 Jun. 2006 [http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_2X_What_are_the_risk_factors_for_colon_and_rectum_cancer.asp].
   
4. Overview: Colon and Rectum Cancer: What Causes Colorectal Cancer? American Cancer Society. 15 Mar. 2006. 23 Jun. 2006 [http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_2_2X_What_causes_colorectal_cancer.asp?sitearea=].