Genetic or hereditary factors are believed to be one of the triggers for colon cancer (colon). Therefore, be alert if there is a family history of this cancer. Check out the relationship between colon cancer and heredity below.
Colon Cancer and Genetics
According to UT Southwestern Medical Center, USA, 1 in 18 people (about 5.5 percent) develop colon cancer in their body.
Of all cases of colon cancer, about 5-10 percent come from heredity. This is related to gene mutations that are inherited from the mother or father.
Several genes are associated with hereditary colon cancer. However, mutations in the genes associated with Lynch syndrome (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, EPCAM) are the most common cause of hereditary disease.
About 25-35 percent of colon cancers are familial . This means that the disease is more common in family members than in the general population.
In cases of colorectal cancer in families, the specific cause is unknown. However, it is likely that a combination of various risk factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and environment, increases the risk of colon cancer in the family.
People with a history of colorectal cancer in a first-degree relationship (a parent, sibling, or child) are at higher risk.
The risk is even higher if the close family member is diagnosed with colon cancer when they are less than 50 years old. The risk is also great if there is more than one first-degree relative with the cancer.
Also, having family members with adenomatous polyps (polyps in the colon that tend to develop into cancer) is also associated with a higher risk of colon cancer.
When to Start the Examination?
If you have a family history of adenomatous polyps or colorectal cancer, talk to your doctor about the possibility of screening before age 45.
The possibility of colon cancer from genetics does need to be watched out for. However, many cases of this disease are not caused by “family inheritance”.
According to the American Cancer Society, several other risk factors for colon cancer that must be considered include age 50 years and over, a history of colitis , obesity , diabetes , smoking, and so on.
Doctor Sara Elise Wijono, MRes , explained that cancer can indeed be inherited in one family, including colon cancer. However, not all families with colon cancer will experience it later in life.
“If there is a family history of colon cancer, then it is better if other members also come to the examination, especially the nuclear family members. For example, check the colon with a colonoscopy. Later, the doctor will find out if there are other family members who are also at risk of colon cancer,” explained dr. Sarah.
Although it can be caused by genetics, colon cancer can be prevented. Doctor Sara reminded to adopt a healthy lifestyle by eating nutritious foods, maintaining an ideal body weight, and not smoking to help prevent colon cancer.