Population Screening for Hereditary Colorectal Cancer

Heather Hampel

doi:10.1016/j.soc.2017.11.006

Population Screening for Hereditary Colorectal Cancer

Surg Oncol Clin N Am. 2018 Apr;27(2):319-325. doi: 10.1016/j.soc.2017.11.006.

Author

Heather Hampel¹

Affiliation

¹ Division of Human Genetics, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, 2012 Kenny Road, Room 257, Columbus, OH 43221, USA. Electronic address: Heather.Hampel@osumc.edu.

PMID: 29496092
DOI: 10.1016/j.soc.2017.11.006

Abstract

Colorectal cancer can be caused by hereditary cancer syndromes such as Lynch syndrome and the polyposis syndromes. Tumor screening for Lynch syndrome has been recommended by several professional organizations. In addition, it has been shown that patients with microsatellite unstable colorectal cancer can benefit from immunotherapy. Unfortunately, universal tumor screening for Lynch syndrome has not been implemented at all hospitals yet. More recent studies have found that the prevalence of all hereditary cancer syndromes is around 10%, and for those diagnosed under age 50, it is closer to 16%. It may be time to consider offering genetic counseling and testing to all colorectal cancer patients.

Keywords: Cancer genetics; Colon cancer; Hereditary; Lynch syndrome; Screening.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Colorectal Neoplasms / diagnosis*
Colorectal Neoplasms / epidemiology
Colorectal Neoplasms / genetics
Early Detection of Cancer*
Genetic Testing
Genetics, Population*
Humans
Neoplastic Syndromes, Hereditary / diagnosis*
Neoplastic Syndromes, Hereditary / epidemiology
Neoplastic Syndromes, Hereditary / genetics
Prognosis