Hereditary Colon Cancer/Colon Polyps

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1:23 people will develop colon cancer.¹

5%-10% of these are hereditary.²

What is colon cancer?

Colon cancer (sometimes called "colorectal cancer") often begins as an abnormal cell growth in the colon (the large intestine) called a polyp. Not all polyps are cancerous, but some polyps can develop into cancer.

Learn more about the signs and symptoms of colon cancer from the American Cancer Society.

Could I have an increased risk for hereditary colon cancer?

The risk factors for colon cancer are:

• One or more family members has had colon cancer, especially if diagnosed under age 50.
• Your family has a history of uterine, ovarian, stomach, brain, bile duct, urinary tract, sebaceous adenomas (a small bump usually on the face, scalp, belly, back or chest) and/or pancreatic cancer.
• You have more than 20 pre-cancerous polyps. If you do not know how many or the types of polyps you had, you may want to ask your doctor for your colonoscopy report.
• Having a known gene mutation in your family.

Learn More About Colon Cancer
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