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Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colon Cancer (HNPCC)

No one knows exactly what causes colon cancer, but certain risk factors can increase one's chances of developing the disease. Risk factors include being over age 50, having colon polyps, a family history of colon cancer, genetic factors like HNPCC or FAP, a personal history of certain cancers, conditions like ulcerative colitis, an unhealthy diet low in fiber and high in red meat/fat, lack of exercise, obesity, and smoking cigarettes. Regular screening is important for those at higher risk due to family history or prior colon cancer.

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Marc Daryl
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45 views

Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colon Cancer (HNPCC)

No one knows exactly what causes colon cancer, but certain risk factors can increase one's chances of developing the disease. Risk factors include being over age 50, having colon polyps, a family history of colon cancer, genetic factors like HNPCC or FAP, a personal history of certain cancers, conditions like ulcerative colitis, an unhealthy diet low in fiber and high in red meat/fat, lack of exercise, obesity, and smoking cigarettes. Regular screening is important for those at higher risk due to family history or prior colon cancer.

Uploaded by

Marc Daryl
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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No one knows the exact causes of colon cancer.

Doctors often cannot explain why one person


develops this disease and another does not. However, it is clear that colon cancer is not
contagious. No one can catch this disease from another person.
Research has shown that people with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop
colon cancer. A risk factor is something that may increase the chance of developing a disease.
Studies have found the following risk factors for colon cancer:
Age over 50: colon cancer is more likely to occur as people get older. More than 90 percent of
people with this disease are diagnosed after age 50. The average age at diagnosis is 72.
colon polyps: Polyps are growths on the inner wall of the colon or rectum. They are common in
people over age 50. Most polyps are benign (not cancer), but some polyps (adenomas) can
become cancer. Finding and removing polyps may reduce the risk of colon cancer.
Family history of colon cancer: Close relatives (parents, brothers, sisters, or children) of a
person with a history of colon cancer are somewhat more likely to develop this disease
themselves, especially if the relative had the cancer at a young age. If many close relatives have
a history of colon cancer, the risk is even greater.
Genetic alterations: Changes in certain genes increase the risk of colon cancer.
Hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC) is the most common type of inherited (genetic)
colon cancer. It accounts for about two percent of all colon cancer cases. It is caused by changes
in an HNPCC gene. Most people with an altered HNPCC gene develop colon cancer, and the
average age at diagnosis of colon cancer is 44.
Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is a rare, inherited condition in which hundreds of polyps
form in the colon and rectum. It is caused by a change in a specific gene called APC. Unless FAP
is treated, it usually leads to colon cancer by age 40. FAP accounts for less than one percent of
all colon cancer cases.
Family members of people who have HNPCC or FAP can have genetic testing to check for specific
genetic changes. For those who have changes in their genes, health care providers may suggest
ways to try to reduce the risk of colon cancer, or to improve the detection of this disease. For
adults with FAP, the doctor may recommend an operation to remove all or part of the colon and
rectum.

Personal history of cancer: A person who has already had colon cancer may develop colon
cancer a second time. Also, women with a history of cancer of the ovary, uterus (endometrium),
or breast are at a somewhat higher risk of developing colon cancer.
Ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease: A person who has had a condition that causes
inflammation of the colon (such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease) for many years is at
increased risk of developing colon cancer.
Diet and Lifestyle: Studies suggest that diets high in red meat and fat (especially animal fat)
and low in calcium, folate, and fiber may increase the risk of colon cancer. Also, some studies
suggest that people who eat a diet very low in fruits and vegetables may have a higher risk of
colon cancer. However, results from diet studies do not always agree, and more research is
needed to better understand how diet affects the risk of colon cancer.
Inactivity and obesity have also been linked to higher risk of colon cancer. Studies have shown
that daily physical activity can decrease colon cancer risk by as much as 50 percent.
Cigarette smoking: A person who smokes cigarettes may be at increased risk of developing
polyps and colon cancer.
Because people who have colon cancer may develop colon cancer a second time, it is important
to have checkups. If you have colon cancer, you also may be concerned that your family
members may develop the disease. People who think they may be at risk should talk to their
doctor.

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