Do I Have a Genetic Risk for Colon Cancer?

Colorectal cancer cases are diagnosed frequently in the U.S., with more than 154,000 new cases estimated to be discovered this year, according to the American Cancer Society. People under the age of 50 are being diagnosed with colon cancer at higher rates in the last 25 years, as well.

Approximately 5 percent of people who develop colorectal cancer have hereditary gene mutations. Knowing this risk can help you take precautions for yourself, as well as your family members, and reduce your risk of an unexpected diagnosis.

Below we explore the risk factors for colon cancer, how you can determine if you have a genetic risk for colon cancer, and the steps you can take based on genetic testing results.

Risk factors for colon cancer

Several factors place people at an increased risk of contracting colorectal cancer. Some risk factors are modifiable – able to be changed by personal choice – and some are non-modifiable.

Modifiable risk factors include:

• Obesity
• Type 2 diabetes
• Diet with lots of red and processed meats
• Smoking
• Moderate-heavy alcohol use
• Age 50+

Non-modifiable risk factors include:

• Being born male
• History of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Race & ethnicity (Native Americans, Alaska Natives, African Americans, Ashkenazi Jews)
• Family history/hereditary risk

Genetic testing for colon cancer

Of all the causes of hereditary colorectal (colon) cancer, Lynch syndrome is the most common. People with Lynch syndrome are more likely to get colorectal cancer at a younger age and are also at an increased risk of developing other types of cancer, including brain, endometrial, ovarian, pancreatic, and upper GI cancer.

To determine whether you have a hereditary risk for colon cancer, there are a few options available for genetic testing.

DNA screening through GenoWell offers no-cost testing, including testing for Lynch syndrome. Our cancer genetic screenings also offer evaluations for colorectal cancer risk. Most insurance plans cover the cost of the screening if you meet the risk criteria.

People who choose genetic testing will visit a laboratory to undergo a blood draw, wait a few weeks for results, then follow up with a provider as needed based on their test results.

Colon cancer prevention

After you receive your test results, you can take several steps to reduce your risk of having colorectal cancer.

Preventive screenings

People who are in good health and have no increased risk of colorectal cancer should begin regular colorectal cancer screenings at age 45.

If you are at a higher risk for colorectal cancer, your primary care provider will likely have you start regular screenings earlier.

Lifestyle changes

Making simple changes to your everyday life can cut down the risk of a colon cancer diagnosis. Those changes include:

• Keeping a healthy weight
• Regular physical activity
• Eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Limiting or cutting out alcohol
• Quitting smoking