Take our online questionnaire to find out if genetic counseling is appropriate for you.

< Back to disease list

Colon Cancer

Colorectal cancer is cancer that starts in either the colon or the rectum. Most colorectal cancer does not run in the family, but approximately 5% of colorectal cancer is hereditary. Hereditary cancers are caused by a mutation in a gene that can be passed on from generation to generation.

Symptoms

• Diarrhea, constipation, or feeling that the bowel does not empty completely
• Change in stool (e.g. blood in stool, stools that look thinner than normal)
• Abdominal pain or bloating
• Weight loss with no known explanation
• Constant tiredness or fatigue

Causes/Risk Factors

• History of colon polyps
• History of bowel disease (e.g. ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease)
• Family history of colon cancer
• Genetic mutations

Genetic Tests

The following genetic tests may be appropriate based on your personal and/or family history:

• MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2 (Lynch syndrome/HNPCC)
• APC, MYH (adenomatous polyposis syndromes)
• STK11 (Peutz-Jeghers syndrome)
• p53 (Li-Fraumeni syndrome)
• BMPR1A, SMAD4 (juvenile polyposis syndrome)
• Genetic variants for colorectal cancer

Schedule an Appointment

To speak with a board-certified genetic counselor about your risks for this disease:

• Schedule genetic counseling appointment online
• Or call 1-800-975-4819
• Send email

Learn More

American Cancer Society

United Ostomy Associations of America (UOAA)

Learning center page

Support Groups