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Approximately every tenth case of colorectal cancer is considered to be genetically determined. In some families, intestinal cancer appears more frequently and at an early age. For some people in this group, it is possible these days to show that this increased risk of colorectal cancer is caused by a genetic variation. The family tree provides the first clues as to whether an increased risk is perhaps genetically caused. These tests are valuable for identifying other people within a family who may be at a higher risk of intestinal cancer before they become ill.  Therefore, this group (cohort) of persons should be closely medically monitored in order to diagnose and treat tumors early.

There are various forms of inherited  colorectal cancer entities.

The most common form is the so called ‘HNPCC-Syndrome’ in which the DNA repair genes are defective. Patients with this genetic defect are, as a consequence, more susceptible to cancer generally, not only colorectal cancer. HNPCC patients get ill more often at an earlier age, more often have tumors in the ascending part of the colon, and may show other peculiarities in comparison to the sporadic colorectal carcinomas.     

The ‘familial adenomatous polyposis’  (FAP) is more straightforward to diagnose. In this case, in young people, the colon is already covered with many polyps. In the first instance, these are managed by close intestinal monitoring by colonoscopy. As a preventative measure, often the entire colon is surgically removed in persons in early adulthood. The reason for this is that, at this age, the probability for polyps to mutate increases significantly. The operation allows the affected persons to lead an almost normal life.   

The CIO Bonn offers a consultantion hour on familial colorectal cancer. Appointments can be arranged at:

FAP-/HNPCC-Consultation Hours
Sigmund-Freud-Str. 25
53105 Bonn-Venusberg
Phone: +49 228 /287-15332
Fax:      +49 228 / 287-16887
cio[at]ukb.uni-bonn.de

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