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What is the gene associated with colon cancer?
MSH3 gene mutations are associated with having many colorectal polyps, as well as other noncancerous and cancerous tumors. Mutations in this gene are recessive, which means if both parents carry it, you have a 25% chance of developing it.
What are the chances of getting colon cancer if it runs in your family?
If you have familial risk, a single first degree family member (parent or sibling) with colon or endometrial cancer under age 50, your lifetime risk increases to 10-20%. Family history is an important indicator not only because of shared genes, but similar lifestyles too.
How does genetics play a role in cancer?
Genes carry the instructions to make proteins, which do much of the work in our cells. Certain gene changes can cause cells to evade normal growth controls and become cancer. For example, some cancer-causing gene changes increase production of a protein that makes cells grow.
Does colon cancer run in the family?
Most colorectal cancers are found in people without a family history of colorectal cancer. Still, as many as 1 in 3 people who develop colorectal cancer have other family members who have had it. People with a history of colorectal cancer in a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) are at increased risk.
Is colon cancer hereditary from parents?
Colon Cancer Facts
Of all colon cancer cases, only about 5 to 10 percent are hereditary, linked to gene mutations inherited from one’s mother or father.
Who is most at risk for colon cancer?
Factors that may increase your risk of colon cancer include:
- Older age. …
- African-American race. …
- A personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps. …
- Inflammatory intestinal conditions. …
- Inherited syndromes that increase colon cancer risk. …
- Family history of colon cancer. …
- Low-fiber, high-fat diet. …
- A sedentary lifestyle.
Can you inherit colon cancer?
In some cases, colorectal cancer is caused by an inherited genetic condition called Lynch syndrome, also known as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer or HNPCC. About 3% (1 in 30) of colorectal cancer cases are due to Lynch syndrome.
What does poop look like with colon cancer?
Usually, the stools (poop) of the patients with colon cancer may have the following characteristics: Black poop is a red flag for cancer of the bowel. Blood from in the bowel becomes dark red or black and can make poop stools look like tar. Such poop needs to be investigated further.
What is a strong family history of colon cancer?
What is a family history of colon cancer? A family history of colon cancer means that you have an immediate family member (or multiple other family members) who’ve had colorectal cancer. This can put you at an increased risk for the disease.